Two homes – one in Belize City and the other in Orange Walk Town – were broken into by thieves.

In Orange Walk Town, a thief entered the bedroom of a couple who was sleeping, and stole documents and money. In Belize City, the thief attempted to get away with a television set but was captured by the caretaker and his son, who restrained him and handed him over to police.

The invasion in Orange Walk occurred between 11:30 last night and 2:30 this morning. Carlos Umania, the homeowner, told police that he had secured his house and had gone to sleep, but at about 2:30 this morning he got up and went to the living room, and saw that the slide door, which he had secured before going to bed, was open.

He immediately alerted his wife, who got up and checked the house. They found that a thief had gone into their bedroom and had stolen her purse, which contained her personal documents, from a drawer in their bedroom. The intruder also stole about $180 cash from a TV stand that was in their room.

An investigation by police is ongoing.

Then, at about 1:20 yesterday morning, Wednesday, according to police reports, John Logan, 52, was in a house at Mile 2 on the Philip Goldson Highway when he was awakened by the barking of dogs in the yard, and became restless. He went out to see what was happening, and saw a man walking in the yard.

He alerted his son, who responded quickly, and they called police. They began searching for the man and found him lying down on the ground under a tree, hiding from them.

Near the man was a 32-inch Samsung LCD television which had been stolen from the house. Logan and his son tackled the man and held him down until police came and took him into custody.

Logan told police that he was the caretaker for the house in the yard, for the owner who is away.

The thief was identified as a 36-year-old resident of Frederick Street, Belize City. He was charged with burglary and handling stolen goods, and will be taken to court tomorrow.

The television is valued at $1,500.