Burglars who climbed in through a window while the residents were at home during a spree in Witney have been described by police as ‘audacious’.

The burglars broke into a house in Woodlands Road some time between 11am and 9pm yesterday and stole jewellery.

They attempted to force their way inside a second home in Chedworth Drive some time between 10.30am and 8pm but were foiled and left empty-handed.

Then between 7.20pm and 8pm burglars got inside a house in Woodlands Road through an upstairs window and grabbed a wallet with £400 cash inside, bank cards, jewellery and a silver cigarette case.

The residents were at home at the time but did not hear the burglars.

PC Kerry Boyle, of the Priority Crime Team at Witney, said: “It was audacious to say the least for whoever broke into this house to do so while the residents were at home. Although they were not confronted or threatened, the homeowners have been left terrified and we would like to catch whoever committed this burglary.

“If you saw anything suspicious in the Woodlands Road or Chedworth Drive areas yesterday, please contact us. Also, if you have been offered some jewellery for sale at cheap prices, please get in touch.

“I would also like to remind local people to make sure their homes are secure, especially now the evenings are much darker. Even when you are home, make sure windows and doors are locked in parts of the house you are not frequenting; this includes upstairs windows that are accessible from outside.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.