POLICE are urging homeowners to ensure security systems are in place after attempted break-ins at two Worcester properties.

And officers fear that newly renovated and vacant houses are particularly at risk after the incidents in Albert Road, off Wyld's Lane, and Battenhall Road, off London Road.

During the first, Victorian fireplaces were stolen between lunchtime on Saturday, October 23 and mid-morning on Monday.

In the second incident, in Battenhall Road, three men were seen near a property when the security alarm went off, at around 9.30am on Monday morning.

One is described as a tall white male, with dark hair, aged 35 to 40 years old. Two were wearing green fluorescent jackets.

When the alarm sounded the men left the premises in a white box-type van, heading for the London Road.

"We would like to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious or unusual near either of these properties at the time of the incidents" said a police spokesman.

Anyone with information should call 08457 444888, quoting 214S/251004 for the Albert Road incident and 90S/251004 for the attempt in Battenhall Road.