Burglar was caught after a doorbell video of her creeping into Sunderland home was shared on Facebook

This is the moment a burglar in a distinctive pink scarf was captured on a doorbell video when she walked into a family home as they were watching TV.
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Tanya Walt ran from the house in Sunderland when she was confronted by the occupants, who then circulated her image which obtained from their doorbell device, on Facebook.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the victims were quickly provided with a name for the raider, by her own cousin.

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Walt, a 43-year-old mum, of Freda Street, Sunderland, admitted burglary with intent to steal and has now been locked up for ten months.

Tanya WaltTanya Walt
Tanya Walt

Prosecutor Kate Barnes told the court the occupants at the house in Watford Close, Sunderland, were in their living room watching television on July 25 last year when they saw someone walk in through the front door.

Miss Barnes said: "They saw the front door open and the defendant enter the porch. She then opened the internal door and moved into the hallway of the property.

"The complainant jumped up to confront the defendant, who she described looking startled and nervous.

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"She said she was looking for number 42 but there is no such number in that close."

Miss Barnes added: "The complainant circulated on Facebook the footage from the doorbell camera.

"A neighbour, who wasn't in a the time but saw the post on Facebook, contacted her to say he recognised the person as his cousin."

Miss Barnes added: "The complainants described the person wearing a pink scarf.

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"Having been given the name of the defendant, police went to her home and arrested her on suspicion of burglary.

"Notably, a pink scarf was in the hallway."

The court heard despite the overwhelming evidence against her, Walt told police she had been in a different town when the break-in took place.

She later pleaded guilty to burglary.

The court heard Walt has 26 offences on her record and has previously served a prison sentence for burglary.

Christopher Knox, defending, said Walt is a "sad lady" who has suffered bereavement and has a troubled background.

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Mr Knox said Walt's criminal offending mostly dates back to when she was a juvenile and was "drug based".

He added that nothing was stolen during the raid and no damage was caused to the property.

Mr Recorder John Haythorne told her: "At about 10.30 in the evening you entered via a front door.

"The occupants noticed your presence and challenged you.

"You said you were looking for number 42 but that was an unconvincing explanation because apparently there is no 42 in that close.

"You were challenged and when met with this challenge you ran off.

"Your offending is so serious only a custodial sentence is appropriate."

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