A burglary victim has described how an intruder stole items “just inches from his face” in the early hours of the morning.

Eastern Daily Press: Trafalgar Road East in Gorleston was the site of a burglary on Wednesday, September 2. Photo: GoogleTrafalgar Road East in Gorleston was the site of a burglary on Wednesday, September 2. Photo: Google (Image: Archant)

Josh Taylor, 27, who lives on Trafalgar Road East in Gorleston, was sleeping at home with his partner and three-year-old daughter when his house was broken into at around 4am on Wednesday, September 2.

Police confirmed the offender stole clothing, money and cards, a phone, tablet, wallet and handbag. A man in his 30s has been arrested in connection and taken into custody for questioning.

For Mr Taylor, the “most terrifying part” was the fact that items were taken just “inches from his face”.

He said: “I have back problems so was sleeping on the sofa. I also take tablets which pretty much knock me for six.

“But something woke me up between maybe 4 and 4.30am, which I think was possibly him leaning across me to grab my phone. When I reached for it to check the time, I realised it was gone and all the downstairs lights were on. Me waking up must have cleared him off.

“When I went into the kitchen the tablet had vanished and the cupboards were open. Even the door to our coat cupboard was open.

“The guy had taken the little one’s coat and nursery backpack, which was full of nappies and wipes. Her coat must be worth £20, if that.

“It’s just downright disrespectful. The lengths people will go to are unbelievable.”

MORE: Warning to homeowners after spate of burglaries in Great Yarmouth“My partner didn’t believe me when I said we’d been burgled. Eventually she clocked I was being serious and we called the police,” Mr Taylor explained.

“I didn’t sleep a wink last night. It’s the thought of ‘what if’ running through my head.

“What if I hadn’t been down there on the sofa? Would he have gone upstairs to where my partner and daughter were sleeping?”

Mr Taylor added: “The tablet was recovered under a Gorleston wheelie bin after being reported by an elderly lady. We’ve got the phone, purse and handbag back now too, which is a massive relief.”

According to Norfolk Constabulary, the intruder gained access to Mr Taylor’s house via an unlocked back door.

Mr Taylor, in response, said: “I was convinced I’d locked the back door - but police are saying it wasn’t and that’s how the burglar gained entry. I initially thought he had picked the lock.

“It just goes to show how careful you need to be, even in your own home. Don’t go to sleep without double-checking everything is secure first.”