Officers found Tatsuko Horikawa, 58, living in the top section of a built-in cupboard that was designed for storing mattresses in the home of a man who suspected a repeat burglar was stealing his food, The Telegraph (Britain) reported Friday.

The homeowner, whose name was not released, set up security cameras after he noticed food disappearing from his refrigerator and contacted police after his cameras recorded Horikawa walking around the residence while he was out.

"We searched the house, checking everywhere that someone could possibly hide," said police spokesman Hiroki Itakura. "When we slid open the closet door, there she was, curled up nervously on her side."

Police said the cupboard contained a thin futon Horikawa had placed for sleeping and several plastic beverage bottles.