Australian burglars hide in wrong place

Australia's prime minister was away at the time

Two suspected burglars have been arrested in Australia after they initially evaded capture by police, only to hunker down in ill-advised hiding places.

Perhaps one might say they were unfortunate

Police Inspector Doug McKenzie

Police say the two men fled the scene of a break-in in Sydney and gave them the slip - by entering the grounds of the governor-general's official residence.

The fugitives immediately triggered alarms, sparking into action federal police, a police dog squad, and protection officers stationed at the mansion, known as Admiralty House.

But one of the suspects still managed to get away into the mansion next door - the official Sydney residence of Australia's Prime Minister, John Howard.

Security concerns

The suspect reportedly managed to lay low for up to three hours before being arrested, a delay that raised concerns regarding the security at the prime minister's residence, Kirribilli House.

Police said the fugitives would have been caught anyway, but by climbing into federal property "you certainly increase the risks", said a police spokesman.

"Perhaps one might say they were unfortunate," said Inspector Doug McKenzie.

The two men and their two alleged accomplices are facing a mix of charges, including break-and-enter and trespassing on Commonwealth land.