Warning after sneak-in burglaries

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STORE cards, a leather purse and cash were stolen in two sneak-in burglaries.

Thieves entered a house on Poplar Road in Batchley about 7.45pm last Friday (January 11) when they were disturbed by a man living there.

He then chased them out of the house and along the Bromsgrove Road before losing sight of them.

The burglars, who were both described as white and wearing hooded tops, stole wine, spirits, a black leather purse containing several store cards, a bank card and a small amount of cash.

The man later found a number of photos belonging to his partner near the entrance to Pitcheroak Woods, believed to have been dropped by thieves as they escaped.

Another burglar was also disturbed later the same night, in a conservatory in nearby Hawthorn Road, but he ran off empty handed.

Det Con Claire Johnson said both incidents are thought to be linked and police were eager to hear from anyone who may have seen the men hanging around the area on Friday evening or saw them running towards the woods.

She added residents needed to ensure they secured their property, even when they were at home, as it only took a moment for a burglar to sneak-in through an open door.

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

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