Police have launched an appeal for a key witness to a burglary to come forward, after a property in High Wycombe was broken into and a safe stolen.

Officers say they want to get in contact with a man who they believe spoke to the suspect at the scene of the crime, mistakenly believing him to be the owner of the property who had lost his keys.

The incident happened around 5-5.30pm on Sunday, January 4 when a set of French windows on a first floor balcony were smashed and the burglar got into the property, in Wellesbourne Road. A safe containing cash was stolen.

Investigating officer PC Paul Reading said: “We would like to speak to a man, believed to be white and in his fifties, who may have spoken to the offender thinking him to be the occupant of the burgled property who had lost his keys.

“If you are this person, please contact police on 101 as you may have important information that can assist the investigation.”

Anyone with information can contact PC Reading on 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

* A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft. He has been released on bail until February 3.