A bungling burglar has been jailed after he was caught out by a Home Alone-style bucket trap.

The homeowners in Northumberland had set the snare after several recent reports of attempted break-ins in the local area.

They had rigged up a string with their house at one end, and a full bucket of water at the other, and shortly before 3am on 9 November last year, burglar Paul Howell fell prey to the trap.

He had attempted to gain entry to the house, in Bondicar Terrace in Blyth, but after springing the trap he fled the scene.

The overturned bucket led to the occupants checking their CCTV footage, and days later they reported the incident to Northumbria police.

Police officers recognised prolific burglar Howell, 56, from the footage, and arrested him at his home in Disraeli Street, Blyth.

He was then charged with attempted burglary. He was also charged in connection with two separate burglary offences that had taken place the following week at another address on Laburnum Avenue in Blyth.

At the Laburnum Avenue break-in, the burglar had forced entry into the house, making off with an array of property, including jewellery and pedal cycles – the majority of which were recovered during a search of Howell’s house after his arrest.

He pleaded guilty to all charges at Newcastle crown court in December, and he appeared before the same court this week, where he was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison.

The court heard he had 108 previous convictions, including 25 burglaries dating back to 1986.

Leading the investigation, DC 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 [your] communities.”

He added: “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.”