victims of a spate of burglaries in Bromyard have told how thieves ransacked their homes and businesses.

Fifteen incidents of theft, burglary, attempted burglary and criminal damage had been reported to police during the past fortnight.

Joe Mason, who lives on the Bromyard Downs, had a motorcycle stolen from his garage on Wednesday, June 23. Thieves returned on Saturday and took another three motorcycles, two of which he has since recovered.

"Pretty much every property on the Downs has had something taken," he said.

Mr Mason said a 90-year-old neighbour had his home ransacked and that thieves stolen money and tools from an elderly woman.

"Everybody else has had things taken out of their gardens," said Mr Mason.

Thieves have also targeted businesses in Bromyard.

At Country Cleaners in Broad Street on Sunday, washing machines were climbed over, a panel ripped down and the back of the shop entered.

Owner Derek Campbell said nothing significant was taken because no cash was stored on the premises.

"If we're going to keep on being damaged we'll have to think seriously about remaining open on a Sunday," he said. "We've been lucky this time but they could have burst a water pipe or fractured a gas pipe."

Police said two men were arrested on Monday in connection with a number of the incidents. They were released on bail pending further inquiries.