The raid sparked a police helicopter chase which resulted in the group being caught in Sparkhill 20 minutues later
The Premier shop on Holly Hill Road, Frankley in south Birmingham
A group of balaclava-wearing burglars were foiled from breaking into a Birmingham Premier shop by its genius security system.
Three males, including teenager Eeman Hussain, targeted the shop on Holly Hill Road in Frankley in the early hours of March 28 this year.
CCTV captured the group using an angle grinder to cut through the shutters.
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But then they were met with smoke being blown through the premises by the security system, and fled.
Police were alerted to the registration of the stolen Audi used in the bungled raid and a force helicopter managed to track the car to the Small Heath area 20 minutes later.
Hussain and another male tried running away but were caught. The driver, who sped, off was also later arrested.
Hussain, aged 18, from The Poplars, Sparkbrook had two pairs of gloves and three sets of keys on him.
He admitted attempted burglary and going equipped for burglary but was spared jail at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday, June 25.
Instead, he was sentenced to 45 weeks suspended for 18 months.
Judge Samantha Crabb said: “The three of you as shown by the CCTV coverage made concerted efforts as you set about cutting the front roller shutter with an angle grinder and kicking at the same shutter.
“Fortunately, despite sustained efforts the three of you made to break in, you failed.
“It seems you were deterred by the security system that blew smoke all across the shop.
“Although you didn’t manage to get in you caused significant damage estimated to be £5,000.”
Jasvir Mann, defending Hussain, stated he had ‘deficiences in his cognitive thinking’.
He told the court he was unemployed and in receipt of Universal Credit but planned to start an electrican course later this year.
The barrister confirmed he also smoked cannabis on a daily basis and added: “He has expressed remorse.
“He is sorry to the court and sorry for the fact the offence caused so much damage.
“He is sorry he has brought shame to his family who are supportive despite disapproving on his involvement.
“He is concerned about going to custody and the impact that would have on his life.”
Judge Crabb ruled to suspend Hussain’s sentence due to his low risk of reoffending, youth, immaturity, lack of previous convictions and prospects of rehabilitation.
She ordered him to carry out ten days of rehabilitation activity, 180 hours of unpaid work and adhere to a four-month curfew between 8pm and 6am.