POLICE are asking Colchester homeowners to report any unusual activity in their streets following a burglary and attempted burglary.

Suspicious people were spotted in the area prior to both break-ins.

Thieves forced the front door of a house off Eastwood Drive, in Highwoods, at around 11.30am on Saturday, February 23 but set off the alarm and left without taking anything.

Police enquiries have revealed a man was seen on a bicycle apparently paying attention to the houses at around midnight prior to the burglary.

The second break-in occurred at a house in St Cyrus Road between 7.45am and 8.15pm on Sunday, February 24.

Thieves forced a rear patio door to the property and made an untidy search of the house.

They stole jewellery valued at several thousand pounds including rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings and watches.

Police enquiries in this instance revealed that there were suspicious males cold calling at homes in the street before the burglary.

Officers would ask anyone who sees any activity near their homes that strikes them as suspicious to call Essex Police on 101.

If anyone has information about either of these burglaries they should also call 101 or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.