POLICE are appealing for witnesses after burglars raided homes in two North Yorkshire villages.

Officers are also urging residents to be vigilant and make sure they have the necessary security arrangements in place to keep thieves out.

One incident took place overnight on December 3 and 4 at a property on Main Street in Kirby Misperton.

The back door was forced and thieves stole cash, a mobile phone, two mountain bikes and the keys to a silver Vauxhall Corsa, which they drove off in.

The second incident occurred on Main Street, in Hovingham, sometime between 3.30pm and 10.15pm on December 17.

The occupants came home from a day out to find that someone had broken in through a first floor window and stolen a number of items, including watches, cufflinks and jewellery.

A vehicle which may have been used by the offenders was seen parked near the water board compound north east of Hovingham, near the speed restriction signs, around the time of the burglary.

Detective Sergeant Ian Fieldsend said: “I would also urge all residents to review their security arrangements to make sure that their homes are well protected from thieves.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.