A burglar unwittingly disclosed to a police officer on patrol he was responsible for a break-in hours after committing the offence.
Officers attended a burglary at Thorntons in Bridge Street in Worksop in the early hours of Monday 4 September.
A shop window had been smashed and items stolen from inside.
A man then approached an officer on patrol at around 3.30pm the same day asking whether he was wanted for burglary at the named address.
The 30-year-old then disclosed to the officer that he was responsible and was arrested on suspicion of burglary.
The items stolen from the store have not yet been recovered.
Neighbourhood Inspector Hayley Crawford said: “The reason the alleged offender approached our officer was because he knew him.
Having worked as a police constable for around 10 years, the officer knows the faces of many of those committing crime in the area.
“During a routine conversation it didn’t take long for this man to admit to his crime and find himself in cuffs.
“This is an example of great neighbourhood policing, as many of our most prolific offenders are aware that we are watching their moves closely.
“On this occasion even approaching our officer and admitting to an offence.”
• Former Paper Lace guitarist one of two jailed for child sex offences
• New fitness studio and regime favoured by sports stars opens in Bingham
• Council to pay £7,700 to mother after failing to provide special needs schooling, rules Ombudsman
