A TEENAGE burglar who came face-to-face with his intended victim has been sent to youth custody for eight months.

Sneak thief Matthew Dickson, 19, was chased out of the Dale Close property in Burnley by householder John Walmersley, Burnley Crown Court was told. Dickson admitted burglary.

Initially Mr Walmersley was going to let the matter go – but then he saw Dickson trying other doorhandles in the cul-de-sac.

Just this week police launched a campaign warning residents about the dangers of burglars ransacking homes because of unlocked doors – especially in the Gannow area.

Prosecutor Sarah Statham said Mr Walmersley awoke early, on June 19, and went down to his living room to watch TV.

The front door was unlocked because he expected his son to arrive home. But when he heard the door open he went to investigate and saw Dickson in the hallway.

Mr Walmersley said: ‘What are you doing?’ and the youngster, who was wearing a hoodie, ran outside.

He did not call the police immediately but later, he saw Dickson acting suspiciously near neighbouring properties and dialled 999.

Judge Beverley Lunt said: “You were out at 5.30am, in a hood, and you were caught where you were not supposed to be.”