A householder watched in terror on CCTV as an "opportunistic" burglar who broke in through a cat flap stole her belongings.

Daniel Meade approached the Dagenham at around 5.30pm on August 27, going down a side path, climbing through a bush and reaching through a cat flap to grab a set of keys, which he then used to unlock the back door.

He fled with a number of items, including perfume, toy figurines and a handbag.

But police had been called and officers quickly located and arrested him. He was taken into custody and answered no comment during police interview. He was later charged.

The 43-year-old pleaded guilty to burglary at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, October 27.

The Havering man was sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined £228.

PC Adam Sparrow, of the East Area Command Unit, said: "This was a very frightening ordeal for the victim who was not at home but was able to see him via CCTV.

"She called us and we were quickly on scene to arrest him. Meade has a long history of offending, including burglary offences.

"Many burglaries are opportunistic, as is the case here. I would advise Londoners to keep storage of their personal items well out of sight and reach of any thieves, as well as investing in deterrents such as lighting and CCTV - the availability of which left Meade with no choice but to plead guilty here."