A warning has been issued to villagers after two homes were raided in one afternoon.

Two houses were broken into in Shefford Road, Meppershall, between 2pm and 6pm on Tuesday afternoon, prompting Bedfordshire Police to issue the security warning.

In both burglaries, a window at the back of the house was forced open and a messy search carried out. Jewellery and cash was taken from the homes, but valuables including iPads and car keys were left behind.

In the second burglary, the offender was disturbed by the occupant returning home and he left through the back door, running past the homeowner and getting into a car.

He drove off towards High Street and almost collided with another car while pulling away.

The suspect is described as a white man, about 5ft 8ins to six-feet tall, in his mid-20s and with dark hair.

He was wearing an ‘old-fashioned’ donkey jacket with the collar turned down, dark trousers, and a beanie hat.

The vehicle is described as a light-coloured car which was silver or gold – possibly a Ford Mondeo Estate.

Anyone with information can contact Det Con Matt Inwood at Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.