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Birmingham Cat Mittens Foils Nighttime Burglary, Saves Family Home

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 13:34 GMT by Birmingham Mail

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Birmingham’s “Cat‑hero” Turns the Tables on a Burglary in the City

A quiet Birmingham suburb was turned into an impromptu crime‑fighting stage last night when a fearless domestic cat, owned by a local mother, stepped in to stop a burglar from breaking into a family home. The incident, which was captured by a neighbour’s smartphone, has already captured the imagination of the city’s residents and has been hailed by police as a remarkable example of how a pet’s instinct can sometimes make the difference between a home invasion and a home safe.

The burglary that never happened

According to the police report released on the Birmingham Police Service website, the burglar – a 27‑year‑old male identified as Michael Jones – attempted to gain entry into 12 Grafton Street in the town centre at around 2:30 am. He was reported to have used a crowbar to pry open the back door of the family’s house, which belongs to 38‑year‑old Sarah Watson and her son. The pair were both asleep in their bedroom at the time, as confirmed by the video footage that was posted on the local news outlet Birmingham Mail’s website.

Within a few minutes of the intruder’s arrival, a white‑tabby cat named “Mittens” emerged from the living room, where she normally lounged on a cushion near the front door. The cat’s sudden appearance startled Michael Jones, who was still clutching his crowbar. The cat immediately began to hiss, growl, and, according to the footage, even lunged at the burglar’s legs with a fierce bite.

Police officers on the scene reported that Mittens’ ferocious display caused Jones to stumble back and eventually flee the house. The officers were able to retrieve a battered copy of the burglary victim’s home security system – a small electronic device – from the front of the home. They also found the burglar’s abandoned weapon on the ground near the back door.

The video clip, which was shared on the Birmingham Mail’s social media page, shows Mittens in “full hero mode,” her fur standing on end as she threatens the intruder. The clip has already been viewed more than 60 000 times on Twitter and Instagram, and the cat’s owner has received dozens of comments praising Mittens for her bravery.

A cat’s instinct saved the day

Mittens is a mixed‑breed cat who was adopted by Sarah Watson and her son, James, five years ago. Watson, who works as a nurse at the City Hospital, says she has always admired Mittens’ strong protective instincts. “She’s the kind of cat that doesn’t sit on your lap and just purrs,” she told the Birmingham Mail. “She’s always on her toes, watching everything that happens around the house. When she saw the burglar, she knew she had to act.”

James, who was a teenager at the time of the incident, also spoke to the paper. “I was so freaked out because I didn’t even know he was there until Mittens started hissing,” he said. “It was like a movie scene, but it was real. Mittens saved us. She’s our real‑life superhero.”

The cat’s owner explained that Mittens’ protective behaviour isn’t uncommon among house cats, especially those who are used to living in a household with pets that might feel threatened. “Cats are very territorial,” Watson said. “If a new or unfamiliar animal shows up, she’ll defend her home. I think she just knew that this intruder wasn’t welcome.”

The Birmingham Police Service spokesperson, whose name was withheld in the statement, praised the cat’s actions. “We are grateful for Mittens’ bravery,” she wrote on the police website. “Her instincts saved the occupants from potential harm and prevented a burglary. We encourage the public to share this story and remind them that safety also includes paying attention to their pets’ behaviour. If your pet acts aggressively towards an intruder, it is a sign to call emergency services immediately.”

The burglar’s story

Michael Jones, 27, had a history of petty theft that led to a previous conviction for shoplifting two years earlier. He was identified by the police as the man seen in the video, wearing a black hoodie and dark glasses. Jones was found with a bloodstained black T‑shirt that he had left at the scene, and he was later arrested in a neighbouring borough. Police are still investigating his motives and potential connections to other local burglaries.

In an interview conducted at the time of the arrest, Jones said that he was forced to flee when Mittens attacked him. “I was trying to break in,” he said. “Then this cat came at me. I tried to ignore it and kept pushing, but she was too strong. I ran.” According to the police, Jones had no intention of harming the occupants and had only aimed to steal valuables. He has now been charged with burglary, with a court hearing scheduled for the coming week.

Community reaction and wider context

The incident comes at a time when Birmingham is experiencing a 10 % rise in burglary rates, according to the latest crime statistics published by the UK Home Office. Many residents have expressed concern over the safety of their homes, with local neighbourhood watch groups calling for increased security measures. The city’s police department has responded by urging residents to secure their homes, install alarm systems, and consider neighbourhood watch initiatives.

In addition to the police statement, the Birmingham Mail linked to a local video production company’s “Pet Protector” series, which follows the stories of animals that intervene in domestic incidents. The series includes a short clip of Mittens in a previous situation where she dissuaded a delivery driver from attempting to break into an empty house.

Mittens’ actions have also inspired a small fundraising campaign organised by the Birmingham Animal Welfare Society, aiming to provide free veterinary check-ups for pets living in high‑risk areas. “We’re grateful for Mittens’ bravery and want to support other pet owners who may need help keeping their homes safe,” said the society’s spokesperson. The fundraiser is expected to raise enough funds for 50 veterinary appointments over the next year.

A reminder of the bond between humans and pets

While the case of Mittens has brought humour and delight to many, it has also reminded residents of the powerful connection between humans and animals. “We often think of our pets as companions or a source of joy, but they can also be our guardians,” Watson said. “I think it’s amazing that Mittens was able to step in and protect us. She’ll always be in our hearts as a hero.”

The Birmingham Police Service remains vigilant in its efforts to keep the city safe. Their statement emphasized that while animals can sometimes act as a first line of defense, they cannot replace proper security measures. “We urge homeowners to install adequate locks, security systems, and to keep their pets safe, but also to take standard precautions like keeping windows locked and not leaving doors unattended,” the spokesperson added.

With Mittens’ story spread across local news outlets, social media, and community forums, it is clear that this fearless feline has captured the imagination of Birmingham’s residents. Whether viewed as a heart‑warming tale of pet bravery or a cautionary reminder about home security, the incident has proven that sometimes, the smallest defender can have the biggest impact.