POLICE are appealing for information about a burglary near Redditch.

Offenders entered the house in Evesham Road, Astwood Bank during the evening of Thursday, May 8, through an insecure front door while the occupant was asleep.

It appears the offenders took the keys to the separate garage and also took a handbag from the hallway.

The garage was entered and a motorcycle lock is believed stolen, along with vehicle keys. However no vehicles were stolen.

Detective Constable Mark Lazenby of West Mercia Police said: “A fifth of burglaries happen through insecure doors or windows, often while homes are occupied. Summer will soon be here and it is imperative householders lock doors and ground floor or easily accessible windows.

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

Police are advising residents to remain vigilant and to take crime prevention measures such as registering valuable items free on immobilise.com which can help officers to trace owners after recovering stolen property.

It also helps them bring prosecutions by proving property has been stolen.

The advice section of West Mercia Police’s website at westmercia.police.uk has a range of crime prevention information including a new interactive feature, Citadel House, which can be navigated room by room.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact DC Lazenby in the Redditch Burglary Team on the non-emergency number 101 quoting incident 94-s-090514 or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers online at crimestoppers-uk.org.