POLICE are appealing for information after two elderly women were subjected to a terrifying burglary in a Suffolk village.

POLICE are appealing for information after two elderly women were subjected to a terrifying burglary in Haughley yesterday.

The incident occurred at around 2pm in Old Street when three men entered the home of the two women via an insecure rear door.

The first male entered the front room, where the women were situated, and pushed one of the women to the floor.

He remained in the room with the two victims whilst two other men went to search upstairs, stealing two purses and the landline telephone as he waited.

The two offenders upstairs searched a bedroom and stole two wallets. All three men left together through the same rear door they used to enter the house.

The first offender is described as a white male, approximately 26 years old, with black collar length hair brushed back from his face.

He is also described as clean-shaven and spoke with a Suffolk accent. The offender was wearing a plain zip up black jacket, black trousers and white trainers.

The second offender, one of the pair who went upstairs, is described as a white male, wearing a black jacket, black trousers and black shoes.

The third offender, who also went upstairs, is described as a white male.

Detective Inspector David Rutterford of Stowmarket Police said, “This was a particularly nasty incident which left the victims shaken and we would like anyone who may have seen these males before or after it took place, or may have information that will aid in their identification, to contact us immediately.”

Police are appealing for witnesses to this incident or for anyone who has information about these offenders. Anyone with information should contact Detective Inspector David Rutterford at Stowmarket CID on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Officer are urging people to remain vigilant and take every possible step to ensure their homes are secure. They have issued the following advice for residents.

LOCK - Keep your front and back doors locked, even when at home.

STOP - Before you answer the door, stop and think if you are expecting anyone. Check that you have locked any back door and taken the key out. Look through the spyhole or the window to see who it is.

CHAIN - If you decide to open the door, put the door chain or bar on first. Keep the chain or bar on while you are talking to the person on the doorstep.

CHECK - Check their details and identity before you let them into your home. Do not agree to any work being done or sign a contract until after you have talked to someone else. If it is someone looking for help only go out to help if you have someone else with you.

If it is someone claiming to be an official, ask for and carefully check their identity card, make sure the caller's name and picture are the same as on the identity card, even if the visit is pre-arranged.

A genuine caller will be happy to make an appointment to call and will carry an identity card with a photograph. They won't mind waiting if you want to phone and confirm their identity.

Remember, if in doubt, keep them out, and telephone the police on 999.