Burglars raided two Sidmouth homes in a matter of hours, escaping with jewellery and electronics.

Burglars struck twice in Sidmouth in a matter of hours - escaping with jewellery and electronics.

Police are now hunting the crooks responsible and have urged residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour.

Two burglaries took place last Wednesday, May 23, in Sidmouth.

Police believe the same culprits are responsible for both incidents.

The first incident happened at around 9.45am when a builder, working on a property on Peak hill, had the keys to his van stolen, along with a Makita drill, by two unknown white men - both said to be in their early 20s.

The pair then left the scene in a silver Peugeot estate with a 2004 registration plate, said police.

A few hours later, at around 12.45pm, the occupant of an address in Summerfield returned home to find her premises insecure.

Upon inspection, she noticed that an iPad was missing, along with a couple of items of jewellery, including a gold wedding ring and pair of diamond stud earrings

A silver Peugeot estate was also seen leaving the scene along with a white man in his early 20s.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokeswoman said: “It is suspected that these offences are likely to have been committed by the same individuals.”

Residents have been asked to report any suspicious activity in residential areas to 101 and to keep their properties locked and secure.

Anyone with any information should contact police via email on 101@dc.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting crime reference CR/045137/18.