Thief broke into his neighbour's home and stole a safe, jewellery, cash and other items

A man who broke into his neighbour's home has been put under social work supervision for 18 months.

Piotr Muca was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid community work when he appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court.

Muca, 30, admitted breaking into a house in Whinhall Avenue, Airdrie, and stealing a safe, jewellery, cash and other items on October 29, 2022.

Lauren Cole, prosecuting, said the couple who lived there were out shopping when the break-in happened about 1.30pm.

Muca was seen by another neighbour on the path outside the house and then there was a loud bang.

The fiscal said: "The couple returned a short time later and noticed coins scattered about the living room.

"There was glass from a broken rear window and Muca was seen standing in the garden, bleeding from an injury to his hand.

"He said, 'I know who did it. I'll show you'.

"He went to his own house across the road and the witnesses followed.

"A cufflink and a ring were seen on the ground outside his front door along with loose change.

"Police officers attended and were directed to the accused's bedroom where they saw a black safe next to bloodstained clothing.

"A jewellery box, a wallet and a drill were also there.

"Muca was arrested and told the officers, 'I was on drugs. I shouldn't have done it'.

"All of the stolen property was recovered."

Defence agent Jamie Toner said Muca "struggles with drugs and alcohol problems".

*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.