A thief owed his capture to a tell-tale trail of frying oil, leaking from the deep fat fryer that he had stolen, all the way to his own house.

The 19-year-old alleged thief was nabbed by the Guardia Civil in Zubia, which is on the outskirts of Granada. According to the police, the suspect knew the house well and knew exactly what he wanted, which just happened to be a deep fat fryer, amongst other things.

He reportedly gained entrance via a window whilst the occupants were out and homed in on the oil-filled electrical appliance – he didn’t appear interested in money, valuables or even the computer, observed the police; he was after tools, such as screwdrivers, hammers and an electric saw, as well as the deep fat fryer. Juggling with all the tools and a fryer half full of used oil, he made his fateful escape.

The owners of the house called the police, who came round and followed, with glee, a trail of used cooking oil across the floor, out of the door, and down the street. Before long – and before the supply of oil ran out – the drips lead up the step and into a nearby house. After a short investigation, the man was arrested, charged and released pending trial.

(News: Zubia, Granada, andalucia)