The resident had been attending to washing on his clothes line at around 11.30 a.m. on Tuesday, said Police. When he went back inside he was confronted by a snooper.

"The intruder began to threaten the resident, who subdued him until Police arrived,'' said Police spokeswoman Sgt. Roseanda Jones.

A 19-year-old Smith's Parish man was arrested and will be appearing in court, she said.

Thieves have taken eight bags of cement, three aluminium door frames, eight half-foot square windows and a red and black wheelbarrow from a home on Westering Lane, Warwick.

Police ask anyone with information to call P.c. Stephen Ebbin at Somerset Police station on 234 1010.

An elderly woman called Police from her Smith's Parish home on Tuesday afternoon, saying a man was trying to break in.

Officers arrived and a 43-year-old St. George's resident was arrested. He will be appearing in court.

Boys aged 16 and 17 were caught in the act of stripping a stolen bike yesterday, just off Middle Road in Southampton. Police enquiries are continuing.

MAN FINED FOR ASSAULT CTS Howard Dwayne Burgess wielded a hoe handle to beat the man who allegedly owed him money.

He struck his victim three times on the legs, Magistrates' Court heard yesterday.

Prosecutor Sgt. Cyril Plant said Burgess had earlier been abusive to the man.

Burgess, 35, of Dock Hill, Devonshire, pleaded guilty to assault, and having an offensive weapon.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis fined Burgess $800.

Sgt. Plant said the assault occurred at 9.30 p.m. on Monday at premises in Angle Street.

He said Burgess had worked for his victim in return for accommodation, and they had known each other some time.

Burgess, however, had regularly demanded money for his work, added Sgt. Plant.

Matters came to a head when Burgess attacked the man with a hoe handle, causing him bruising.

Police were called and Burgess told them they should be arresting the complainant.

Mr. Francis said he treated the use of offensive weapons very seriously.

He took into account Burgess' plea of guilty and previous good character.