A Mpumalanga burglar has become notorious for leaving behind a rather smelly signature mark in his victims' gardens - faeces.

Mel Preddy, a representative of the Malelane Community Policing Forum, said 12 incidents have been reported since December.

“It is quite common that when people are breaking and entering, an increased amount of adrenalin gets pumped through their bodies and they often have to relieve themselves before they can continue with the crime,” Preddy told African Eye News Service.

He said the most recent incidents took place on March 5, 7 and 14.

All three break-ins took place at residential homes in Malalane and the criminal or criminals stole computers, laptops, flat screen televisions, jewellery, cellphones and tablets. These are general items that can be sold quite easily,” said Preddy.

He said most of the time, the criminal keeps an eye on the house during the day by hiding in a bush or in an outhouse, studying movement at the targeted house.

“When it gets dark, they will see which way they can easily get into the house. This is when their stomachs might get upset and they relieve themselves in the garden or a nearby bush,” said Preddy.

None of the victims has yet had to confront the defacating burglar or his accomplices if he has any.

However, Preddy said he suspects the perpetrator may be armed.

“Hopefully the criminal will be caught soon, with his pants down,” said Preddy. - African Eye News Service