Homeowners set up Home Alone-style trap to foil serial burglar

A repeat offender in the UK has been sentenced to over three years in prison after committing a burglary and being caught in a trap reminiscent of "Home Alone." The criminal, named Paul Howells, attempted to break into a home in Northumberland at 3 a.m. last November, only to fall victim to a carefully set trap by the homeowner.

Given previous attempted burglaries in the area, the residents had set up a rope connecting the house to a bucket filled with water as an anti-theft measure. After Howells triggered the trap, he immediately fled the scene, but his actions had already been recorded by surveillance footage.

The homeowner subsequently discovered the overturned bucket, reviewed the surveillance footage, and reported the incident to the police several days later. Police quickly arrested 56-year-old Howells and charged him with attempted burglary. A week later, police also charged Howells in connection with another burglary that occurred at a different residence.

In that burglary, Howells forcibly entered the residence and stole a range of items, including jewelry and a bicycle. Howells pleaded guilty to all charges at Newcastle Criminal Court last December and was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison.

Detective Constable Jon Mullen of the Northumberland Police stated that burglary is an invasive crime that makes people feel unsafe in their homes. Mullen added, "Howells is a repeat offender, and following the sentencing, he will face a lengthy prison term."