House raider was caught by hi-tech security gadgets

A MAN who was caught carrying out a burglary at a home in Llanelli was caught after technology alerted the home owners.

Jeremy Andrew Pegler was caught carrying out a burglary at the home of Simon Thomas at Capel Road in Llanelli on August 1, as their light sensor activates CCTV for 20 seconds, then sends them a text message alert.

They received one at 2.49am and could hear their dog barking in the garage, where he was sleeping.

Mr Thomas looked out of the window and could not see anything, but ten minutes later, another text message was received.

He went downstairs to inspect and could see a man, Pegler, who was wearing camouflage clothing, carrying a torch and wearing gloves.

Using expletive language, he asked Pegler ‘What are you doing in my house?.’

He followed him outside of the property and took him to the floor and asked him again, “Why have you been burgling my house”.

Pegler, aged 40, of Great Western Crescent in Llanelli, who admitted a count of burglary and appeared before Swansea Crown Court for sentencing, replied saying: “I’m sorry, I’m a druggie, I needed money.”

But in an attempt to get Mr Thomas off him, Pegler then grabbed his testicles.

Mr Thomas managed to detain Pegler until police arrived.

He was conveyed to custody where he made a ‘no comment’ interview.

A victim statement from Mr Thomas was read to the court and heard: “I can’t believe how much this has affected me and my family.

“My wife made my eldest daughter check the doors eight times and my children are also affected and shocked by this incident.

“I have now got £800 extra security for my property.

“I this.”

The court heard the incident was Pegler’s eighth house burglary.

Mitigating, John Allchurch said: “Mr Pegler accepts he is going back into custody. He was will never forget released from prison in February this year.

“He has mental health issues and drug problems.

“He mentioned when detained he was a druggie.

“He was trying to raise money to fund that habit.

“He expresses remorse and regrets what he has done. He regrets the dwelling burglary and he is sorry for the trauma caused to the occupiers.”

Judge Paul Thomas said: “What is serious about burglaries is not what has been taken, that can be replaced, but what impact it leaves on the victims.

“If you don’t want to spend your time in and out of prison, don’t break into people’s houses. It is the eighth time.”

Pegler was four years months. jailed and for four