Intruder chased from home by brave resident caught by Ring doorbell camera

May 26, 2023

David Kirkup was sentenced to 21 months in prison

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A burglar who was chased from a house by a brave resident was caught through neighbours' Ring doorbell footage.

David Kirkup entered the property in Uldale Road, Carlisle, without permission at around 12.45am on April 2. The 25-year-old fled with a PlayStation 4 and other electronics worth around £500 after being chased out by the occupant.

Officers attended and carried out house-to-house enquiries which led to securing Ring doorbell footage of the suspect from neighbours. A further victim was also identified – a member of the public whose motor vehicle had been entered and tools and other equipment worth an estimated £2,000 taken.

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Stills from the footage were circulated to officers which resulted in the man pictured being identified as Kirkup. He was arrested later that same day and under interview told officers he had bought the PlayStation from a friend and denied having stolen it.

However, he admitted the offences at court. Kirkup, of Sunnymeade, Carlisle, pleaded guilty to burglary and theft from a motor vehicle when he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court and was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

Police Constable Matthew Owens said: "Burglary offences can have a terrible impact on victims who experience a stranger entering their home and stealing their belongings.

"In this instance, the incident was reported quickly and we were able to take swift action which resulted in the offender being quickly identified. This saw him being arrested and interviewed by police on the same day he committed the offence.

"Cumbria Police takes all reports of burglary extremely seriously and is committed to working with communities to bring offenders to justice."