All parents know a baby alarm can deliver reassurance that their toddler is sleeping safe and sound in its cradle. What they may not, however, be aware of is that this humble piece of electronics is now at the cutting edge of crimefighting technology.

Indeed, the good burghers of the German city of Bodum can today thank a mum's baby-monitoring kit for the arrest and incarceration of one hapless criminal.

Sadly, this radio confession was transmitted to a nearby baby monitor, and the vigilant mother immediately alerted the authorities.

Police moved in and extracted a swift confession from the rueful radio star.

And the moral of the story is this: do not chat to friends about bungled robberies via CB radio in areas containing large concentrations of young families. You have been warned. ®