POLICE in Colchester have released an efit of a suspected burglar they’re hoping to trace.

The break-in happened when a man entered a house in Gilberd Road through an unlocked kitchen window between 6pm and 7pm on Sunday, July 8.

The man came face-to-face with the male owner who verbally challenged him, asking him to leave, which he did.

Investigating officer, Dc Hannah Richardson, said: “We believe this intruder was intending to burgle the property and did not expect the owner to be in. It was as much a shock for the owner as it was probably for the criminal. We ask people to take a good look at the efit as we believe the man lives locally and so will be known to someone in the town.”

The burglar is described as white, aged in his early 20s, is approximately 5ft 5ins tall and has short, blonde hair.

Detectives are hoping the release of the efit will lead to his swift arrest.

Dc Richardson added: “We would like to take this opportunity to remind people about home security.

“We understand that it is often desirable to leave windows open during the summer, but whenever possible they should be closed and locked especially if the property is left unattended.

“We would also remind people about the perils of leaving keys to sheds, garages and cars lying around, visible through a window and thereford to the passing, opportunist thief.”

Anyone with information should contact Colchester police station on 101.