A prolific burglar has been jailed for four years after he was caught on camera making his getaway with his bag of loot slung over his shoulder.

East Anglian Daily Times: Rodney GeishaRodney Geisha (Image: Archant)

Rodney Geisha was “snapped” on an iPhone by a passer-by with a bag full of stolen goods following a break-in at a house in Wellesley Road, Clacton, on May 14.

The witness saw Geisha, of Edith Road, Clacton, jumping over a fence and snapped the villain before dialling 999.

A second witness chased Geisha for several hundreds of yards while giving a running commentary of his route to a controller at Essex Police headquarters.

Officers went to the scene and arrested Geisha in Watson Road just 15 minutes later.

His bag of swag was found to contain a laptop computer, Xbox games, electrical items, cash and two bottles of Jack Daniels. In total the haul was worth around £1,500.

Detective Constable Claire March, of Clacton CID, said: “The two witnesses were brilliant and their quick thinking has meant another burglar is behind bars. The photograph and the running commentary describing Geisha’s movements was absolutely compelling evidence and he had no option but to plead guilty.”

Investigations at the burgled house found the 41-year-old had caused £3,000 worth of damage when he smashed his way into the house and ripped televisions from their wall fittings.

It is thought he was planning to nab the televisions as well but was disturbed and fled. Det Con March added: “The victim of the burglary is delighted too because all his stolen property was recovered although he was left with a huge repair bill for all the damage that Geisha caused.

“I hope that this superb example of the public helping police to catch criminals will be an inspiration to everyone in the county.” Geisha, who had previous convictions for burglary, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years behind bars when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday.