A burglar who grabbed a set of house keys through a cat flap in Dagenham has been jailed.
Daniel Meade, 43, was jailed for three years at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday and fined £228 after pleading guilty to burglary.
The court heard how Meade, from Havering, carried out the burglary around 5.30pm on August 27 this year.
He went down a side path and climbed through a bush before reaching through a cat flap to grab a set of keys, which he used to unlock the back door.
Meade stole a number of items including perfume, toy figurines, and a handbag before fleeing.
However, police quickly arrested him after being called as he was caught on CCTV.
He was taken into custody and answered no comment during the police interview.
“This was a very frightening ordeal for the victim who was not at home but was able to see him via CCTV,” said PC Adam Sparrow, of the Met’s East Area Command Unit.
“She called us and we were quickly on scene to arrest him. Meade has a long history of offending, including burglary offences.
"Many burglaries are opportunistic, as is the case here.
“I would advise Londoners to keep storage of their personal items well out of sight and reach of any thieves, as well as investing in deterrents such as lighting and CCTV - the availability of which left Meade with no choice but to plead guilty here."
