Real life cat burglar caught on camera

A security camera has finally discovered that the cat burglar responsible for a three year crime wave is an actual cat.

Residents wondered what was happening when their clothes, teddy bears and other small items started disappearing.

In total, more than 600 things have gone missing from gardens on homes in the Californian town of San Mateo, near San Francisco.

But it finally became apparent the crook was a kleptomaniac kitty called Dusty who kept returning home with other peoples belongings.

After setting up a night-vision camera they recorded footage of him going out under the cover of night and dragging back his loot.

Owners Jean Chu and Jim Coleman say the cat's record haul is 11 items in one night.

Ms Chu said: "He has taken towels, gloves, shoes, socks, toys..."

Neighbours say he particularly favours female bathing costumes and he was caught on camera swiping a bra.