Off-duty police caught bungling Doncaster burglar climbing out of victim's window

Russell McIntyre, 40, broke into a property on Axholme Road in Wheatley Hills while the homeowner was away on January 29.

Unfortunately for McIntyre, two off duty police officers were also in the area at the time and spotted him climbing out of a broken window.

Detective Constable Adrian Love, investigating officer, said: “Knowing the property was unoccupied, the two officers made a call to response colleagues and then apprehended McIntyre, arresting him at the scene.

“A search found he’d been carrying pliers, a screwdriver, rubber gloves and two TV remotes.”

He was later charged with burglary by officers from Doncaster CID.

McIntyre, of no fixed abode pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two and a half years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday (February 26).

DC Love added: “We are pleased with the sentence McIntyre received, the homeowner in this instance was a vulnerable, elderly person who did not deserve to be a victim.

“Thanks to the quick thinking of some of my colleagues, this criminal was stopped in his tracks.

“Burglary can have a lasting impact and it is something that we take incredibly seriously. I would urge anyone who has any information about people committing burglaries, or handling stolen goods to please contact us on 101.

“Alternatively, you can stay completely anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers via their website Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling their UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111.”