19 February 2025 , 18:59
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The homeowners set the trap following reports of several attempted burglaries, and their efforts led to the arrest of 56-year-old Paul Howell, whom the police described as a "prolific offender".
A burglar who was caught after triggering a Home Alone-style trap at a house in Northumberland has been jailed.
Paul Howell, 56, was attempting to break into a property in Blyth - but fled when a bucket of water soaked his feet after tripping a hidden line of string just before 3am on 9 November last year, police said.
The householders set the trap following reports of a number of attempted burglaries.
Northumbria Police said Howell, of Blyth, was arrested and charged with attempted burglary after the occupants checked their CCTV footage.
In the 1990 movie Home Alone, eight-year-old Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, set a series of elaborate traps for two bungling burglars after his family accidentally left him by himself in their Chicago house at Christmas.
Howell was also charged in connection with two separate burglary offences the following week at another address in Blyth, when he forced entry into a property before stealing items including jewellery and bikes.
Much of these items were recovered at Howell’s house in the town.
The force said Howell pleaded guilty to all charges at Newcastle Crown Court in December.
He was jailed for three years and seven months on Tuesday.
Detective Constable Jon Mullen, who led the investigation, said: "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 sentence."