One could call him a nosy neighbour, but the actions of a Southampton man resulted in a thief being caught.

An 18-year-old defendant appeared in Magistrates' Court yesterday and admitted to breaking into a Hivey Lane, Southampton home, but denied that he stole anything.

Stephen O'Neil, of Somerset Road, Sandys was charged with burglary, housebreaking, and stealing a $16,650 Rolex watch, three cheque books and two pens with a value of $200 each. He was also charged with attempting to steal a safe.

The burglary occurred on October 27 at 11 p.m. at the home of a man who was abroad.

“This was not a James Bond operation,” Duty Counsel, Leopold Mills argued in defence. Crown counsel Charmaine Smith told the court that O'Neil gained access to the Southampton home by climbing through a bathroom window.

Once inside he browsed the house and tried to remove a safe from the den. He then went to the garage and attempted to steal the car there to transport the safe, but later changed his mind.

A neighbour who heard the noise, checked the house and found a chair outside of the bathroom window and an open garage door.

In October, O'Neil was arrested from his Sandy's residence and taken to the Somerset Police Station where he admitted to the burglary.

Upon his return to the Island, Mr. Saucy reported damages to his car, garage, floor, and a desk which all cost an estimated $ 8,200. He also reported the theft of three cheque books worth $35, two pens worth a combined $200 and a Rolex watch, all of which he has not recovered as yet.

When Acting Senior Magistrate Tyrone Chin asked O'Neil if he was on drugs, he said: I'm quitting everything - I'm not using drugs. I'm trying to get my life together, while I'm still young.”

In total, the damages and stolen goods are an estimated $24, 857. O'Neil has already begun making payments to Mr. Saucy.

The case was adjourned until today in Magistrates' Court, until then, O'Neil was reprimanded in custody.