Burglar caught on CCTV making off with handbag after reaching through cat flap to steal door keys
A terrified homeowner watched live as a burglar reached through her cat flap to grab her house keys then steal a handbag and various other items from her house.
The victim wasn't at home at the time but watched live footage as Daniel Meade clambered through a bush to rob her house.
The video of the crime shows the 43-year-old walking down a side path then disappearing through the bush at rob the woman's house in Dagenham, east London.
He then reached through a cat flap to grab a set of keys and used them to unlock the back door of the home and steal a handbag.
The footage then shows Meade re-emerging from the bush carrying the handbag. He also made off with items including perfume and toy figurines.
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The woman called the police, who found Meade and arrested him.
He was later charged and the CCTV meant the 43-year-old, from Upper Rainham Road, Havering had no choice but to plead guilty to burglary.
He was sentenced to three years in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court and was also fined £228, police said.
PC Adam Sparrow, from the Met Police's East Area Command Unit, said: "This was a very frightening ordeal for the victim who was not at home but was able to see him via CCTV.
"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."