THE victim of a hapless burglar has called for the country to start implementing tougher sentences after seeing the criminal who entered his house jailed for 16 months.

Jake Farrell, aged 24, of Park Avenue in Latchford, was sentenced this month at Chester Crown Court after burgling a house on Shetland Close, Cinnamon Brow, at around midnight on Tuesday, October 15.

Farrell, who has three previous burglary convictions, was caught after stepping in dog dirt left by family rescue dog Freddie, who alerted the family to the intruder.

Mark and Alison Stewart were woken up by the pet during the night, while sons Callum, aged 16, and Harvey, aged five, were in bed.

"I am not happy with the sentence - I thought he would get longer, I don't think he has any remorse," said Mark.

"A bigger sentence could have acted as a deterrent for others as well, and aside from being burgled, it has cost us more money.

"It has made us more aware and so we have upgraded our security system and are potentially looking at CCTV for the house because of it.

"But at least we are more aware now and so are the neighbours, we have been speaking to them so hopefully it doesn't happen again - it is quite rare for that to happen here."

Now that the matter has been dealt with, it seems fitting that German Shepherd-Husky cross Freddie has been given extra special treatment.

"As the family pet, it is good to know that he alerted us and was aware of what was happening," added Mark.

"He did a really good job and has been enjoying a bit of extra food, we have given him a some big dog bones for him to eat."

After entering the home through an insecure door, Farrell made his way through the kitchen and conservatory.

Police matched footprints - containing Freddie’s dog muck - from the kitchen tiles to the shoes of Farrell, who stepped into the muck in the garden.