RESIDENTS are being reminded to make sure they secure their property even when at home following two sneak-in burglaries in Redditch on Friday, January 11.

The first incident happened at about 7.45pm in Poplar Road when two men entered a house through the rear but were disturbed by a male occupant. They ran out via the back door and the man chased them along Bromsgrove Road before he lost sight.

They stole wine, spirits and a black leather purse containing several store cards, a bank card and a small amount of cash.

Shortly afterwards, the man found a number of photos belonging to his partner near the entrance to Pitcheroak Woods on the Bromsgrove Road. These would have been dropped by the burglars so it is thought they may have gone into the woods to escape.

The men are both white, at least 6ft tall and both wearing hooded tops. One is stocky and the other is slimmer.

Just before midnight, a burglar was also disturbed in the conservatory at the back of a house in nearby Hawthorn Road. He ran off empty handed.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Claire Johnson said: “Both incidents are thought to be linked and we are eager to hear from anyone who thinks they may have seen these men hanging around the area on Friday evening or saw them running towards the woods.”

Witnesses or anyone with information about either of the burglaries should contact DC Johnson on 101, quoting incident 543-S-110113, or ring the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

West Mercia Police's current anti-burglary initiative Citadel involves a range of operational tactics and a targeted crime prevention advice campaign which is aimed at reducing the number of burglaries across the force area.

Home security advice is available at westmercia.police.uk. Anyone who does not have access to a computer can also get advice from their nearest police station.