'Missing Cat' Story Used In Burglaries

Police say a burglar on the Isle of Wight's using a story about a missing cat to find out if people are at home.

Detectives are asking homeowners whether they have been approached in a similar manner.

The incident occurred on Friday, April 19 in the early hours of the afternoon in Great Preston Road, Ryde when the owner came across a man in her garden and asked him what he was doing there. The man produced a photo of a black cat sat on a green sofa and said that he was looking for it.

An hour later a burglary was committed in another house in the same vicinity.

Alan Richard Tinsley, aged 28, of Surrey Street, Ryde was arrested and charged with attempted burglary and burglary and remanded in custody to appear in from of IOW Crown Court on May 16, 2013.

Anyone with information can contact Newport DCID by phoning 101. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.