WATCH: Police catch deep fryer thief by following trail of grease

It didn’t take authorities in Oklahoma long to find the culprit who allegedly broke into a woman’s home and stole  $4,000 worth of items, including a deep fryer.

All they had to do was follow the trail of grease across the street to the home of the suspected thief, Steven McCarthey.

According to the arrest affidavit, police followed the “noticeable grease spots” that started from the woman’s home and led to McCarthey’s backyard.

The police found the stolen items hidden around McCarthey’s house and the deep fryer was in the utility room above the dryer.

McCarthey and his alleged accomplice William Bitsche admitted to the crime.

Neighbour Matt Kennedy told NBC affiliate KFOR that McCarthey’s behaviour is out of the ordinary.

“He’s a great guy. He’s a great character, a family man, so it’s just a little unexpected,” said Kennedy.

The robbery victim – who has not been identified – also says McCarthey is a friend who eventually returned the items he stole. She claims they will remain friends.

Police said McCarthey was apologetic and “knew it was wrong, but he was intoxicated on alcohol and broke into the residence anyway.”