Would-be burglar caught red-handed by Wisbech home owner

A would-be burglar who was caught in the act claimed he was actually looking for his dog.

Martin Rogers, 24, got into the garden of a house in Colvile Road, Wisbech, via a side gate at about 5.30am on July 7.

However, he disturbed a man in the property who came downstairs and saw Rogers peering through the back window. He claimed to be looking for his lost dog and moved on when asked to leave.

The homeowner later discovered the lock on his shed had been forced open, but nothing had been taken.

Rogers, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of attempted burglary at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court last Monday (21) and was given a 13-month sentence, suspended for two years.

Detective Constable, Jon Edwards, who investigated, said: “Rogers knew exactly what he was doing when he entered the victim’s garden: he wasn’t looking for a dog and fully intended to commit a burglary. If the home-owner hadn’t disturbed him, he may have been able to carry out his crime and possibly gone on to try to enter the house.”