A burglar forced their way through the front door of a house in High Wycombe at the weekend – in full view of anyone walking past, police said.

Although no description has been given of the criminal, it is believed they broke in between 9am and 7.30pm on Friday and they were possibly disturbed once inside.

In fleeing the property in Castle Place, the short pedestrian alleyway joining Priory Road and Castle Street, they left the front door wide open.

And, following a second burglary in Wendover, police are appealing for residents to do their best to deter burglars.

Det Con Alex Kratky, the officer investigating the High Wycombe burglary, said: “I would also like to take this opportunity to remind residents to keep doors double locked, to use timer lights if their home is unoccupied between hours of darkness and to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”

The Wendover break-in was believed to be carried out overnight but could have happened anytime between 2.10pm on Saturday and 11.30am the following day.

It is understood the burglars gained entry by breaking a rear patio window and, once inside, they searched the property.

However, it is not known at this stage if any items were stolen, officers said.

Anyone with information about the break-ins, contact Thames Valley Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org