Burglar Caught On Camera

21 June 2013, 15:08 | Updated: 21 June 2013, 15:12

Police are trying to identify a burglar caught on camera during an attempted burglary in Bedfordshire.

The man was caught on camera by an eagle-eyed neighbour in Eaton Bray near Dunstable on the afternoon of Wednesday 19 June 2013.

The burglar and two other offenders had set off the house alarm at a property in Wallace Drive at approximately 2.40pm which alerted a 38 year old neighbour.

It appears that nothing was taken during the burglary, but when the neighbour shouted at the offenders one of them slapped her across the face and then got in to a black Mercedes AMG, fleeing the scene with the others.

The quick thinking neighbour was luckily not injured during the incident and managed to get a picture of one of the offenders running from the house and a picture of the car they were using (right).

The car was displaying stolen number plates, KM62 0PF, which had been taken from a vehicle in the Birmingham area recently.

The officer in charge of this investigation, DS Dale Mepstead, is keen to trace anyone who can help identify the man in this picture or anyone who has seen a similar vehicle in their area.

DS Mepstead said: “The neighbour was very brave to challenge these men and luckily she was not hurt during her ordeal. The property belongs to an elderly person and it is possible that these men chose this address because they thought it belonged to a vulnerable member of the community and therefore an easy target. I would urge anyone who recognises the man in this picture or anyone with information about the vehicle the offenders were using to speak with officers and help protect your community from criminals.”

If you can help identify this man or if you have information relating to this crime you're asked to contact Detective Sergeant Dale Mepstead, at Luton Police Station, in confidence, on 01582 394094, or Bedfordshire Police 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.