A man has been caught attempting to break into a home left empty over the festive period.

On Monday, December 18, a man was spotted acting suspiciously near a house in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

The homeowner had reportedly gone away and not considered their home security, having left a spade next to the front door and leaving the house in darkness with all curtains and blinds closed.

The man was seen going into the garden, then putting on a balaclava and gloves before disappearing into the alleyway next to the house.

Police were called to the scene via 999 and the man fled the scene.

He was later apprehended and arrested by a dozen officers.

PCSO Miller from Thames Valley Police said: "If you're going away over the festive season or heading out to a Christmas party, make sure to lock away any garden tools out of sight and not easily accessible etc."

"Burglars often use these to force entry."

It is also recommend to do the following:

  • Use light timers on lights to make it look like the property is occupied.
  • Don't close all the blinds and curtains, this is often a tell tale sign to burglars that the occupants are away.