In a scene reminiscent of a classic family film, a burglar was thwarted by a clever homemade trap set by homeowners in Blyth, Northumberland. The incident occurred in the early hours of November 9, when 56-year-old Paul Howell was caught on CCTV attempting to break into a detached house on Bondicar Terrace.
Howell’s plans took an unexpected turn when he tripped over a string connected to a bucket filled with water, which promptly tipped over and drenched his shoes. Startled by the sudden downpour, Howell quickly abandoned his attempt and fled the scene. The homeowners, who had previously been targeted by burglars, reviewed their security footage and reported the incident to the police.
Authorities recognized Howell, a known offender with a long history of criminal activity. Officers arrested him at his residence in Blyth just days later. Following his arrest, Howell was also linked to two additional burglary incidents that occurred shortly after the bucket trap incident, where he had stolen jewelry and bicycles from another property on Laburnum Avenue.
In court, Howell pleaded guilty to charges of attempted burglary and burglary. His extensive criminal record, which includes 108 prior convictions and 25 burglaries since 1986, contributed to a sentence of three years and seven months in prison, handed down by Newcastle Crown Court on February 17.
Detective Constable Jon Mullen of Northumbria Police emphasized the impact of burglary on victims, stating that it creates a sense of insecurity in their homes. He praised the homeowners for their proactive approach to security and highlighted the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspicious activities.
This incident serves as a reminder of the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their homes and the effectiveness of simple yet creative security measures in deterring criminals.