Police are appealing for witnesses after two break-ins in Colchester.

Yesterday between 11.30am and 12.10pm thieves forced entry to a property in Mersea Road, by breaking the lock on the front door.

A search of the address was made but nothing is believed to have been taken.

A man was seen acting suspiciously in the area at around the time of the burglary and he is described as being dressed in dark clothing with a hood or a hat.

On Thursday between 2pm and midnight there was a burglary at a property in St Andrews Avenue. The raiders caused damage to a UPVC window and door frame to gain entry, but again nothing is believed to have been stolen – a burglar alarm activated and the suspect is believed to have made off over a back wall.

Anyone with information about the incidents or who saw any suspicious behaviour in the areas concerned should call PC Caroline Cross at Colchester CID concerning the Mersea Road incident, and DC Hannah Richardson for the St Andrews Avenue burglary, on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.