A BURGLAR was chased through a town museum and arrested after stealing charity box cash in a night-time raid.

Lee Anthony Mercer was caught by patrolling cops when they spotted the break-in at Chepstow Museum during the early hours of Saturday, August 7. They found the crook inside and dramatically pursued him through the Bridge Street building past the town’s precious artefacts before collaring their man.The 36-year-old of Wickliffe Place, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, admitted burglary and was sentenced to a 12-month community order when he appeared at Newport Magistrates’ Court.Mercer was also ordered to do 80 hours of unpaid work and a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and must also pay £100 compensation, £85 costs and a £95 surcharge.