The Herald SunA BURGLAR has been rescued by police and fire crews after becoming stuck on the roof of a Sydney factory.March 3, 2009

Police were called to a three-storey factory in Leichhardt, in Sydney's inner-west, about 1.50am (AEST) last night to find the 53-year-old on the roof.

Officers believe the man was trying to break into the factory but wet weather and the steep colourbond roof caused him to get stuck.

Numerous attempts were made to rescue the man, eventually requiring a fire truck with a large ladder and a Polair helicopter to illuminate the rooftop. The man was finally retrieved at 4.50am.

He allegedly had numerous items on him, including a helmet with a light, bolt cutters, tin snips, a small ladder, backpack, tarpaulin, ropes and harnesses.

The man was arrested and taken to Newtown police station where he is being questioned.