Blundering burglar caught by Facebook

Police in New Zealand used the internet social networking site Facebook to catch a burglar.

The man was caught on a security camera after removing his balaclava while trying to break into a safe.

Police posted his images on Facebook and the 21-year-old was arrested shortly afterwards in the south island town of Queensland.

“The offender was identified after a movie and images of him were displayed on Facebook. He was identified from members of the public viewing him on Facebook and also seeing him on TV after the Facebook images were displayed on the news,” police said in a statement on the force’s Facebook page.

Officers said the man removed his balaclava after getting too hot while trying to open the safe with an angle grinder.

“After eventually having no luck he has a good look around before packing up and leaving – and looks right past the hidden security camera in the process,” a spokesman said.

Constable Sean Drader said afterwards: “I’ve never met a burglar that I thought was bright. I’m pretty sure someone will recognise him.”