MORE guns have been stolen - this time shotguns - in a burglary as police raise concerns about rural crime.

Two shotguns were stolen from a property in Mamble, near Great Witley, north west of Worcester late last night (Wednesday).

The burglary comes just two days after air rifles were taken following another raid in Clifton-upon-Teme and a third break-in at Lower Broadheath.

READ MORE: Rifles stolen from home in Clifton 

All these burglaries are now being linked by West Mercia Police during the 'fast-moving investigation'.

DI Dave Knight of South Worcestershire Proactive CID, based in Worcester's Castle Street, said the house in Mamble was occupied when the burglars walked in and stole the shotguns.

He said: "These offenders are targeting isolated properties in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire area. This is a fast-moving investigation being led by South Worcestershire Priority CID. We will not rest until we have bought these offenders to justice."

A home was raided in Old Road, Clifton-upon-Teme, in the early hours of Tuesday morning (January 31). Two rifles and a motocross bike were stolen after burglars broke in through a window in the home which was not occupied at the time.

A further raid at Lower Broadheath also took place on January 31.

The guns stolen have been identified as a .22 BSA air rifle and a .177 AirMaster which is an additional concern to West Mercia Police because they could be used in other crimes.

Police have made 23 burglary arrests since the start of this year in South Worcestershire alone with burglary identified as one of the top priorities for the force. 

To help continue to make arrests, a senior detective has repeated calls to the public to dial 999 immediately in the event of a burglary in progress so resources can be deployed as swiftly as possible to the scene. This increases the chances of apprehending suspects. Homeowners are also urged to secure CCTV, where possible, to provide further evidence and help identify the culprits and make convictions more likely.