Rehabilitation scheme helps burglar and victim become 'best friends'

A burglary victim has become "best of friends" with the man who broke into her home.

The 41-year-old stole £500 along with electrical items from Anne and Terry Linton's house in Erdington, Birmingham, in May 2019.

The thief was caught, but instead of being sent to jail was placed on a rehabilitation programme and now looks after their garden.

"Even a fairytale story could not end like this," Mrs Linton said.

At Christmas, they even exchanged presents.

Mrs Linton said: "Isn't it funny, you tell somebody that somebody's burgled your house and yet you've all become the best of friends, nobody would believe you."