RAIDERS have stolen thousands of pounds of antiques and porcelain after targeting two homes in Worcester.

They struck at a house in St Dunstan's Close while the owners were away between Thursday, June 7 and Friday, June 15.

Among the items stolen were three gold Royal Worcester plates valued at £500 each, nine Royal Worcester Dorothy Doughty children figurines valued at £150 each, and a 10in vase with a pheasant painted on it valued at £600.

In the same area, antiques totalling more than £5,000 were stolen from a house in Battenhall Avenue between Thursday, June 14 and Sunday, June 17.

The haul included a grandfather clock valued at £2,000, a £600 carver chair, a Pembroke table valued at £1,000, and two pearl necklaces together valued at £1,500.

"It would appear the thieves knew what they were after before they broke in and would certainly have required a large van for the burglary in Battenhall Avenue," said PC Mike Stephenson, of Worcester police.

"I'm confident someone may have information that will help us to detect both these burglaries.

"I would ask people living in the area to think about whether they can recall suspicious behaviour at any time during the week, or who may have witnessed the burglary to contact police on 01905 723888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

"I would also ask anyone approached to buy antiques and porcelain fitting these descriptions to contact police."

Antiques haul from two city homes