A laborer transporting plastic drums along a busy street in Dhaka (AFP)

After an angry mob caught him in the act, an alleged professional burglar in Bangladesh called the police and reported his own crime.

According to local police chief Asad uz Zaman, Yasin Khan, 40, broke into a closed grocery store in southern Barisal city early Wednesday morning to steal goods from the shelves.

"When he finished the job and was about to go out, Khan realized it was not dark anymore and people woke up and started coming to the market," Zaman said as quoted by AFP Friday.

With an angry crowd gathering and fearing a violent attack, Khan dialed the police emergency number to request assistance.

"We went to the shop and brought him out and took him in our custody before the mob could touch him," Zaman said.

"I have never seen such an incident in my career," the police chief added.

The store owner, Jhontu Mia, told reporters that Khan had stuffed a large bag with valuable items but had been unable to flee the scene.

The thief was arrested and taken to jail after admitting to the break-in, according to the local police station.

He was later discovered to be wanted by police for several other burglaries in the area.