A 56-year-old man from Blyth, Northumberland, has been sentenced to three years and seven months in prison after being apprehended during an attempted burglary.

The incident occurred on November 9, 2024, when Paul Howell attempted to break into a residence on Bondicar Terrace.

Homeowners, who had previously experienced multiple break-in attempts, had set up a simple security measure—a bucket of water rigged to fall when a string was disturbed.

Howell triggered the trap, causing the bucket to spill, which alerted the homeowners.

They reviewed their CCTV footage, identified Howell, and contacted the police.

Officers arrested Howell at his home on Disraeli Street in Blyth.

Further investigations linked him to two additional burglary offenses at a different address on Laburnum Avenue in Blyth.

During these incidents, Howell had stolen items including jewelry and bicycles, most of which were recovered during a search of his residence.

Howell pleaded guilty to all charges at Newcastle Crown Court in December 2024. The court noted his extensive criminal history, with 108 previous convictions, including 25 burglaries dating back to 1986. Detective Constable Jon Mullen of Northumbria Police emphasized the invasive nature of burglary and the importance of community vigilance in reporting suspicious activities.

He stated, 'Burglary is an invasive crime which sadly leaves people feeling unsafe in their own homes.

Howell is a prolific offender who is now facing a lengthy spell behind bars following ....

This case is the latest example which ...

.' The police continue to encourage residents to report any suspicious activities to assist in bringing offenders to justice.