On July 5 of this year, Chatfield and Mobey broke into the Guildford home of an elderly woman near Stoke Park and used a ladder that a neighbour had left out to get into a first-floor bedroom window. There they commenced an untidy search, helping themselves to cash, wallets, and watches.

The victim, 76, was at home at the time and was understandably terrified. Fortunately, the neighbours called the police, and officers arrived at the scene whilst the burglars were still at the property.

Chatfield and Mobey were apprehended by officers and the stolen items returned to the victim.

PC Brooks-Kent, the investigating officer, said: “This was a really frightening incident for the victim, who not only had her house invaded but was left feeling unsafe in her own home. The quick thinking of the neighbour, resulted in us being able to apprehend the burglars there and then, with no financial loss to the victim.

“Burglary is a concern for most of us and it will not be tolerated. Surrey Police will do everything possible to secure a conviction for every case that comes our way.”

For police crime prevention advice please visit: https://www.surrey.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/protect-home-crime/keep-burglars-out-property/