A RABBIT called April is helping neighbours keep a jump ahead of burglars.

The crime-busting bunny, a one-year-old dwarf lop cross, raised the alarm when a thief broke into a neighbour's garden shed.

April had been with her new family for a few weeks when they went on holiday, leaving her in the care of their neighbours at Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough.

Not wishing to disturb their friends, on their return, the family went quietly upstairs to bed, leaving the rabbit dozing in her hutch in next door's garden.

April's owner, Chris, who did not wish to be identified, said: "We were lying in bed when we heard her thumping. And it went on. We put up with it for two or three minutes, then we went downstairs to investigate."

Chris and his wife spotted a thief, who made a run for it, with Chris chasing after him while the neighbour dialled 999.

Police found the thief hiding in bushes, arrested him and recovered the lawnmower, which had gone missing from the shed next to April's hutch.

A 30-year-old man has been bailed by Cleveland Police pending further inquiries.

A police spokeswoman said: "Normally, we would encourage people to use more conventional crime prevention methods. However, this was more unusual, but a successful outcome."