KELOWNA — Some high-tech hocus pocus helped a quick-thinking teen in Kelowna call for help without ever making a sound.

The 14-year-old was home alone on Tuesday morning when a trio of thieves broke in as he was getting ready for school.

RCMP say the youth grabbed his iPod and retreated into a closet as the robbers went through the house.

Investigators say the teen couldn't call for help, but he could text, so he fired off a message to a friend and described the danger.

The friend called the boy's grandfather, who raced to the home, arriving just ahead of police and catching one of the three crooks red handed.

The young victim was released from his hiding place and Mounties are now searching for two other men involved in the break-in.