Burglar chased by homeowner

AN APPEAL has been launched to trace a burglar who narrowly escaped being caught after he sneaked into a house while the owner was home.

The man entered the property on Hawthorn Drive in Hollywood by gaining access through an unlocked rear door around 7.40pm yesterday (January 16).

After hearing a noise the occupant discovered the burglar in the kitchen and chased him in to the back garden and through a side gate to the front of the house.

The thief got into a silver four door hatchback believed to be a Vauxhall Meriva and sped off in the dark without turning on the vehicles lights as he headed towards Houndsfield Lane.

The white, slimly built man, who is around 5ft 10ins tall and believed to be in his late 20s or early 30s got away with two wallets containing cards, £100 cash and a car key fob.

Police have carried out house to house inquiries and urged residents to be vigilant in securing their homes.

Det Con Paul Lettis said: "This incident demonstrates the importance of householders keeping doors locked, even when the property is occupied."

Anyone with any information about the incident should call DC Lettis on 101, quoting reference 120-N-160113.

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