Harlesden burglar who stole from neighbour jailed for six years

Crook was caught two hours later while travelling in a minicab

A burglar who was caught with his loot hours after targeting one of his neighbours in the middle of the night has been jailed for six years.

Paul Frazer, 43, of Larix Court in Harlesden Road, Harlesden, broke into an address in Longstone Avenue, yards from his home, where he stole four laptops, two bags and cash, on April 17.

The victims, who were upstairs and asleep with their three children, were woken up by his movements at around 5.20am and after one of them, a 51-year-old man, went to investigate he saw Frazer making his escape through the front door.

He alerted the police and two hours later Frazer was picked up by uniformed officers on routine patrol, whilst he was travelling as a passenger in a mini-cab.

He was searched and the stolen items were found.

The following day he appeared before Harrow Crown Court where he admitted burglary.

Last week he was sentenced to six years.

Detective Sergeant David Abbott from Brent Police said: “Any theft is distressing, but experiencing loss following an intruder breaking into your home whilst your family are present is particularly awful.

“We are delighted to have reunited the victims with their personal possessions so quickly after and lessen the distress caused by Paul Frazer.”