A judge has praised a Jewish volunteer security team which helped secure the conviction of a man who attempted to break into a flat.

Gary Mitchell was detained by members of the Stamford Hill Shomrim after he was seen opening a window at the property in Hackney, north London, using a pair of pliers.

The volunteers held him until police arrived following the incident in December last year. They had followed him as he approached the family home and swooped as he attempted to enter the flat.

Sentencing Mitchell at Snaresbrook Crown Court last Wednesday, Judge Neil Sanders commended the Shomrim volunteers, saying their efforts were a “significant” part of the operation to bring the 54-year-old to justice.

Mitchell, of no fixed abode, was jailed for 10 months for attempted burglary and failing to attend earlier court hearings. He must also pay a £100 victim surcharge.

Shomrim volunteer Michael Scher said “This is a great result not just for the victim in this case but for all other residents of Hackney too.”