POLICE are again warning people to ensure their homes are secure before leaving their property or going to sleep, following two burglaries at insecure homes.

The first happened at a flat in Alderley Road, Rock Hill, in which an offender went in through an insecure front door and stole two televisions, an XBox and two mobile phones.

The incident happened between 9.30pm on Saturday, April 5, and 2am on Sunday, April 6, while the woman occupant was asleep on the sofa.

The other incident happened in Haseley Close, Redditch, at 9.30pm on Saturday, April 5, in which a handbag containing £20 cash, keys and bank cards was stolen from a kitchen while the occupants were in another room.

Entry had been gained through the insecure kitchen door.

Detective Inspector John Cashion of West Mercia Police said: “A fifth of all burglaries happening in North Worcestershire are through insecure doors or windows.

"In many cases homes are occupied at the time, but residents are asleep or in another room.

“This is a year around problem, but now the weather is improving it is worth reminding householders to ensure doors and ground floor or easily accessible windows are secure.

“Many burglars are opportunists and much prefer to simply open a door and walk in to a house, rather than risk being seen or heard breaking in.”

Anyone with information about these offences is asked to call police on non-emergency number 101, quoting incident 69-s-060414, for the Bromsgrove burglary or 752-s-050414 for the Redditch offence.

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