Wrong victim

Press, 2 July 1985, Page 8

Wrong victim

By JEFF HAMPTON A burglar found to his cost last evening that he had chosen the wrong Hornby flat to break into. One of its occupants had just finished a martial arts course and was in a toughtalking mood, especially when he arrived home to find a stranger standing in the lounge beside a pile of household goods. The broken window at the flat and the utility vehicle parked outside told the story. The occupant, who declined to be named, said last evening that he decided he had better have a “quiet word” with the intruder.

At first the burglar tried to say that he was a guest. He then attempted to excuse his actions by saying that he “needed the money.” The occupant, however, mentioned to the intruder that he was familiar with the martial arts, and advised him to remain still. He then quickly got in touch with the police. They arrived and arrested a man, aged 21, who will appear in the District Court today charged with burglary. A police spokesman last evening praised the actions of the Hornby man, who they said did everything right.