Fed-up neighbours have sent a warning to would-be thieves that their suburb is not to be messed with following a dramatic citizens arrest.
The alleged burglar fell into a backyard pool twice after he was confronted by a group of neighbours in Guildford, in western Sydney, at about 9pm on Wednesday.
In the footage, neighbours can be seen confronting a man walking on the street.
Hey brother. Whos f***ing unit are you going into? a neighbour can be heard saying on the CCTV footage.
Two neighbours confront the man as other residents come out to have a look as the alleged thief tries to flee.
Footage from another CCTV camera shows him running through a backyard, but his escape attempts are thwarted after he falls into a swimming pool.
He pulls himself out but only takes a few steps on dry land before falling in again.
The alleged thief was then arrested by the neighbours before police and paramedics arrived at the home.
One Guildford resident (pictured) said the man had been stealing from the wrong area
Neighbours in Western Sydney are seen confronting the alleged thief in Guildford (pictured)
The man fell into the pool twice as he was pursued by the group of vigilante neighbours
The arrested man was taken to hospital.
Thats what happens when you steal from Guildford, a man can be heard saying triumphantly as the alleged offender is put into an ambulance.
He did cop a big hit last night as well, a smiling neighbour told 9News.
If youre going to steal anything you stole from the wrong area, the neighbour said.
The man faces a string of charges for alleged offending going back to May, and was denied bail in the Parramatta Court on Thursday.