A SUSPECTED burglar was arrested after he turned up at the victim’s house to return their stolen goods – in return for £20.

Just after midnight on Friday night police received a report of a burglary at an address in the Swalwell area of Gateshead.

It was reported that a window had been smashed at the address before the intruder made off with a TV and a money box containing a small amount of cash.

Officers launched an investigation but at around 11.50am on Saturday police received another call from the victim.

They reported that a man had turned up at the address and offered to return the stolen goods to the victim.

But instead of handing them over, the man in question said he could locate the items – but only in return for a £20 payment.

The victim refused and officers arrested a 41-year-old nearby on suspicion of burglary. The goods were later seized by police at a nearby address.

The 41-year-old has since been charged and appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Monday where he was remanded in custody.

He will now appear before Sunderland Magistrates’ Court on November 25.