CCTV footage shows Paul Howell, 56, prowling around the back of a house at around 3am on November 9 last year.
But he was in for a surprise; his shoes were drenched when he tripped over a string rigged to tip over a water-filled bucket.
He fled the detached bouse in Bondicar Terrace, Blyth, Northumberland, only to be nabbed within days.
The ingenious homeowners set up the rudimentary but effective snare after previous break-ins, and they knew something was awry when they spotted the upturned bucket.
Upon review of their CCTV footage, they alerted the police. Officers recognised prolific thief Howell and apprehended him at his Blyth residence.
Howell was implicated in another burglary incident during the subsequent week on Laburnum Avenue within the same town, where he had forcibly entered, stealing jewellery and bicycles.
At Newcastle Crown Court, Howell admitted attempted burglary and burglary, receiving a sentence of three years and seven months this past Monday (17/2).
His criminal past is hefty: The court heard that he had108 prior convictions, 25 of which are for burglary, spanning back to 1986. Commenting on the conviction, Detective Constable Jon Mullen of Northumbria Police said: “Burglary is an invasive crime which sadly leaves people feeling unsafe in their own homes.
“Howell is a prolific offender who is now facing a lengthy spell behind bars following this sentence.
“This case is the latest example which demonstrates the importance of reporting anything suspicious in their communities.
“We will continue to act upon these reports and do everything in our power to bring those responsible for offences in our areas before court to face justice.”
