AN ANIMAL charity has got its work cut out after taking in a cat burglar — literally.

Light-pawed Charlie has been exposed as a thieving feline at Blue Cross adoption centre, Watcombe, where he stunned staff who caught him opening a door and helping himself to supplies.

The cat was discovered with his paw in the cookie jar.

The eight-year-old black and white cat left a tell-tale trail of evidence with paw prints leading to the biscuit tin even though the kitchen door was closed.

Netty Ward, Blue Cross deputy manager at Torbay, said: "We couldn't believe it when we saw Charlie tucking-in to biscuits because the door is kept closed and cat food biscuits safely in a sealed tub.

"Not only did he manage to open the kitchen door himself, but he also worked out how to remove the lid of a plastic tub and we discovered him busy fishing out the food with his paw."

Staff make sure that the kitchen door is securely locked every time Charlie uses the exercise corridor outside the kitchen.

Charlie has been staying at the centre since December.

His owners moved and could not take Charlie with them.

Netty said: "He really deserves a loving home and a garden to play in but his new owners will be warned about his special skills of opening doors and boxes".

To see our astounding video footage of Charlie in action, go to www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk