A notorious burglar got caught on CCTV falling for a bucket trap—adding to his long list of 108 convictions!

A career burglar caught in a trap was exposed during his latest break-in attempt—leading to his arrest and leaving police and the public in stitches.

Paul Howell, 56, triggered the DIY security system while trying to break into a home in Blyth, Northumberland, only to be soaked and sent running before he could steal a thing.

Caught by a Bucket

After a spate of attempted break-ins in their neighbourhood, a Bondicar Terrace couple decided to take matters into their own hands. Instead of relying solely on locks and alarms, they rigged up a simple yet effective booby trap: a length of string tied between their home and a bucket of water balanced at the other end.

Shortly before 3 am on 9 November 2024, Howell unknowingly walked into the trap. As he tripped the wire, the bucket tipped, sending a cold deluge crashing down on him. The drenched burglar immediately abandoned his attempt and fled the scene.

In the morning, the homeowners reviewed their CCTV footage and couldn’t believe what they saw—Howell stumbling and slipping as he tried to escape. Days later, they handed the footage over to Northumbria Police, who instantly recognised the prolific offender.

A Criminal History That Spans Decades

Howell, already well known to police, had 108 previous convictions, including 25 burglaries dating back to 1986. Officers arrested him at his home in Disraeli Street, Blyth, charging him not just for the foiled bucket trap burglary but also for two successful break-ins the following week.

In those incidents, Howell forced entry into a home on Laburnum Avenue, stealing jewellery and bicycles. Police later recovered most of the stolen property during a search of his house.

Faced with overwhelming evidence, Howell pleaded guilty at Newcastle Crown Court in December. This week, he returned to court, where he was sentenced to three years and seven months in prison.

‘An Invasive Crime’

Detective Constable Jon Mullen, who led the investigation, emphasised the lasting impact of burglary:

“Burglary is an invasive crime that sadly leaves people feeling unsafe in their own homes.”

He described Howell as a serial offender who had spent decades preying on innocent people, adding:

“This case shows the importance of reporting anything suspicious in your community.”

Northumbria Police assured residents they would continue targeting repeat offenders and urged the public to stay vigilant.

From Bungling Burglar to Inmate

Howell’s spectacular misstep may have amused his victims and police alike, but the consequences were no laughing matter. Thanks to a simple DIY trap, a career burglar is finally behind bars—proving that sometimes, crime really doesn’t pay.