Drug addict Charley, 31, was jailed for 66 weeks for a string of offences. Headmitted burglary of the Ark Pet Store in Transit Way, Plymouth, on January 5.

He also pleaded guilty to the burglary of a home in Redruth Close, Ernesettle, on September 10 last year. A computer and camera equipment of unknown value was taken.

Charley finally admitted to taking a Jaguar XK8 without consent, driving it without insurance and otherwise than in accordance with a licence on January 13.

He asked for eight other dishonesty offences to be taken into consideration.

David Gittins, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said Mr Chapman arrived at work at 8am to see Charley forcing up a metal shutter and taking pet products.

He added: "He gave chase and grappled him to the floor and called for assistance from others."

Stolen property worth £288 was recovered from his rucksack.

After the court hearing, Pete Chapman said: "The reward is very generous. I think it's unbelievable really.

"It wasn't a conscious decision. I just saw him there at the shutter and he bolted. I think most people would've done the same thing.

"I've opened the shop several times in the morning so I knew where things should be. I looked and saw him down on the floor and he saw me and he just accelerated. Instantly I was after him. I can't remember much as it all was so fast.

"I managed to grapple him to the floor. It was a good few minutes there. I had to move about to free my mobile phone and call the police.

"Then a woman came up to the double doors and saw us there. She seemed to snigger and she must've thought we were play-fighting or something. I had to try and gesture to her to go and get help."