A heavily tattooed man from Abbey Wood was caught by police after trying to break in to a Thamesmead house using a garden spade.

Thomas Mongen was spotted by eagle-eyed residents in a garden at Pitfield Crescent on October 26 at around 6pm.

The 47-year-old, of Sewell Road, was caught by police in one of the gardens.

They also found garden fork and a spade wedged into one of the properties’ patio doors.

On November 25, at Woolwich Crown Court, Mongen admitted attempted burglary and was handed a one year prison sentence.

Afterwards, Detective Constable Scott Albert, who investigated the case, said: "Thanks to quick-thinking members of the public, we were able to catch Mongen before he could do any damage and steal from any of the houses he had decided to target on the day he was caught. 

"We are really thankful to those who called us - they helped us to catch Mongen and saved their neighbours the heartache of coming home to a house turned inside out by a thief."