A crimefighting computer led police to a suspected burglar's door.

The stolen Apple iMac transmitted photographs and details of its location to its owners after it was taken in a raid on their business.

Sussex Police used the pictures to trace the computer and arrest a suspect.

Printing firm Kenads, in Martlets Way, Goring, had three computers stolen on May 6.

The firm could not afford to wait for its insurance payout, so bought a single iMac to ensure it could still trade.

Managing director Ian Strudwick installed CCTV - and downloaded a £50 piece of software to try to improve the computer's security.

When the firm was burgled again on May 29, the Orbicule (CORR) Undercover software kicked in.

It took photographs every eight minutes- and emailed them back to Kenads with details of the computer's location.

The photographs show two men and a woman in a room in Hove.

The computer was still snapping away when Sussex Police arrived and arrested a 39-year-old man on suspicion of burglary. He has been released on bail until July 27 while officers investigate further.

Mr Strudwick said: “I was amazed. We wouldn't have our computer back without it.

“Once thieves become aware of it, maybe they'll think twice about stealing people's precious computers.

“It was a good feeling knowing it was back on our premises 48 hours after it was taken.”

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: “Police were able to trace the computer's whereabouts due to a device on the computer which photographs the user and sends the images to an email account.”

Technology has increasingly been used to catch criminals in the county in recent months.

A trap bicycle, which transmits its location to officers, has been used to catch thieves in the city.

Tracker devices in cars have helped detectives find vehicles stolen in burglaries in and around Worthing.

Laptops are one of the most commonly stolen items in burglaries.

On Wednesday, portable computers were reported stolen in raids in Chesham Road, Kemp Town, Brighton, and in Guildford Road, Brighton.

After the second raid two men made off on bicycles.

Inspector Gareth Davies, of central Brighton police, said: “Laptops are portable and reasonably high value.

“There is quite a big second hand market in electrical goods.

“If you are taking a wallet, you never know how much you're going to get. If you're taking a laptop, you've got a reasonable idea.”