A burglar who was rumbled by a vigilant resident and found hiding under a bush has been jailed for 12 weeks.

Michael Bryan was spotted acting suspiciously in Bridgewood Road, Worcester Park, on Thursday, June 11.

The 21-year-old, of Hertford Way, Mitcham, was watched as he walked up and down the road before climbing over a fence and into a garden further along the same street at about 2.45pm. The resident phoned police and provided a running commentary as Bryan entered the semi-detached property and went from room to room.

As officers from two local safer neighbourhoods teams (SNT)arrived he fled, dropping various goods before jumping into a garden of a house in Sandringham Road.

Officers and dogs from Worcester Park and Nonsuch SNTs found Bryan hiding under a bush and arrested him.

At Sutton Magistrates Court on Wednesday June 17, Bryan, who admitted his offence, was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison.

Detective Constable Craig Dingwall, of Sutton CID said: “The resident’s actions led to police being able to gather good quality evidence quickly against the suspect.

“Much of the stolen property, which included jewellery, was recovered.

“This is an excellent example of the public and police working together to catch criminals.”

Det Con Dingwall said a second person was also involved in the burglary.

He would like to trace a small silver car with the partial registration mark of either AK02 or AK05, which was seen in the area at the time.

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