POLICE are trying to trace a dog walker who saw a man running off following two Rubery burglaries.

The burglaries happened at neighbouring homes in Brook Road on Monday, February 17.

The suspected offender was leaving one of the houses carrying stolen items in a holdall, when he was challenged by one of the owners arriving home at around 5pm.

He dropped the bag then ran off, turning left onto The Avenue and then left again into Heron Way, before jumping over a gate into the garden and getting out on to Callowbrook Lane.

A woman walking her dog told the householder she saw a man jumping over a metal railing between Callowbrook Lane and the A38, and run across the A38.

Police would like to speak to her as she may have further information.

At one property a rear kitchen door was forced and items stolen included PlayStation games, costume jewellery, a piggy bank, an iPod, an Apple keyboard, as well as a holdall belonging to the victim. The bag and contents were recovered.

Glass was smashed in the kitchen door of the second house. A search had been carried out but nothing was stolen.

For crime prevention advice visit westmercia.police.uk.

The dog walker who saw the suspected offender, or any other witnesses, can call Detective Constable Tony Flannagan on non-emergency number 101, quoting 440-s-170214.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.