• A Russian woman returned from her night shift to find a thief sleeping in her apartment
• The man was investigated and ordered not to leave his residence as a precautionary measure

A woman in Russia discovered a thief asleep inside her apartment after he had gathered several items with the intent to steal in a bizarre incident.

According to a local news agency, the thief entered an apartment in the Blagoveshchensk area, and after collecting possessions from the home, decided to sleep inside.

The homeowner said she returned after her night shift to find a strange man asleep in her house.

The Ministry of Interior stated in an official release: “It was revealed that during the night, the criminal broke into the home through a window intending to steal, knowing that the owners were not present. The suspect placed the items he needed (TV and electric saw) in bags.”

The statement added: “The thief believed the homeowner would not return for a long time, so he decided to rest and sleep.”

The 45-year-old thief, a local resident, was detained and has a prior record of theft and illegal possession of prohibited substances.

Russian authorities launched a formal investigation for attempted theft with illegal entry into a residence, punishable by up to six years in prison.

The suspect was later released after giving a pledge not to leave his place of residence.