Residents of an apartment block in New Delhi, India, were troubled by frequent thefts in their flats.

On September 11, they spotted three men breaking into a locked flat and tried to catch them.

But two of the thieves managed to escape and the youngest of them, however, was nabbed.

The thief, caught red handed, started crying saying it was his birthday and first attempt at theft as well.

Residents association president, Deepak Madan Deepu, said: “He said two of his friends asked him to join them in stealing some money and celebrate his birthday,"

"He also said he grew up without any support as his father died young. It was a sob story," added Deepak.

The residents took pity on him and decided to celebrate his birthday. They ordered a cake and had 'Chor' written on it, meaning 'thief' in Hindi. As he cut the cake, they sang wishing him ‘happy birthday’.

They also offered him soft drinks and 'samosas', a spicy snack, which he said was his favourite.

After the thief finished his snacks and party was over, Deepak called the police and handed over the man.

The police found out that the man was a veteran con though his claim of birthday held good.

The man is now in a jail in New Delhi and the police are looking for two of his accomplices.