A burglar who snatched house keys through a cat flap has been jailed for three years.

Daniel Meade, 43, used the keys to unlock the back door of an address in Dagenham, London at around 5.30pm on August 27.

He approached the back door after slipping down a side path and climbing through a bush, the Met Police said.

After entering the home Meade stole a number of items including perfume, toys and a handbag before making his escape.

However, police were called to the scene as the homeowner watched the incident unfold on a live-feed from her phone

Officers swiftly located and arrested him.

Pc Adam Sparrow, East Area Command Unit, said it was a ‘frightening ordeal’ for the victim.

‘This was a very frightening ordeal for the victim who was not at home but was able to see him via CCTV,’ he said.

The homeowner watched the terrifying incident unfold on a live-feed from her phone (Picture: Metropolitan Police/SWNS)

She alerted the police who swiftly stopped the ‘cat flap burglar’ in his tracks (Picture: PA)

Daniel Meade was sentenced to three years imprisonment and fined £228 (Picture: PA)

‘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.’

Meade, of Upper Rainham Road, Havering, was taken into custody and jailed at Snaresbrook Crown Court on October 27 after pleading guilty to burglary.

He was also fined £228.

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The homeowner watched the terrifying incident unfold on a live-feed from her phone.