An Essex man foiled a raid on his home - by shouting at burglars via webcam from Turkey.
The man was 1,500 miles away at a family funeral when he called home for a video chat, reports The Mirror.
The homeowner from Loughton, Essex, was speaking to his wife via MSN Messenger when she left the house to speak to their son.
However, the internet connection remained on - and the man was stunned to see two burglars in his hallway.
He screamed at them: "Get out of my house - I am calling the police."
The terrified pair fled empty-handed and are being hunted.
Detective Constable Mandi Coltman said: "This woman's husband had been waiting for his wife to return but instead saw two strangers in his home.
"It was his quick-thinking actions that led to the thief running off."
The man was 1,500 miles away at a family funeral when he called home for a video chat, reports The Mirror.
The homeowner from Loughton, Essex, was speaking to his wife via MSN Messenger when she left the house to speak to their son.
However, the internet connection remained on - and the man was stunned to see two burglars in his hallway.
He screamed at them: "Get out of my house - I am calling the police."
The terrified pair fled empty-handed and are being hunted.
Detective Constable Mandi Coltman said: "This woman's husband had been waiting for his wife to return but instead saw two strangers in his home.
"It was his quick-thinking actions that led to the thief running off."