SYDNEY - A would-be cat burglar in Australia had to be rescued from the roof of a Sydney factory early Sunday when he became stuck three storeys up, police said.

Police said the 53-year-old man became trapped when heavy rain made it too dangerous for him to scale the factory's pitched tin roof.

Police found the man on the roof at about 2:00 am and called in a fire engine with an extra-long ladder to get him down, while a police helicopter hovered above illuminating the three-hour rescue.

He was allegedly carrying bolt cutters, tin snips, a small ladder, ropes and harnesses.

Police charged the man with trespassing, possession of housebreaking implements and attempted break-and-enter. He was refused bail after appearing in court via video-link.