BURGLARS struck at three city homes in just a few hours as a city detective says his team will work 'tirelessly' to catch them.

The burglar or burglars struck at Aconbury Close and Trent Road, both off Newtown Road in Ronkswood and Meadow Road off Cornmeadow Lane, Claines, near Worcester.

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During the raids, cash and jewellery were taken as police work to identify and recover the items taken and calculate the value of the loss which, in the case of sentimental items, can be difficult to quantify.

The raiders smashed patio windows during the burglaries at Aconbury Close and Trent Road and a patio window and dining room window at Meadow Road.

West Mercia Police believe they may be looking for a city man in relation to the WR5 burglaries because portable items were taken, including cash and jewellery.

DI Dave Knight of South Worcestershire Proactive CID said: "They all happened between 4pm and 8.30pm.

"This is the period of time that burglars would be looking at houses to identify whether anyone is home.

"Timer lights are a great solution to giving the impression that someone is in.

"The items stolen need clarification but appear to be cash and jewellery - items that are easily carried on foot.

"We are keeping an open mind but are certainly considering that the WR5 offences have been committed by a local offender.

"Burglars become more active in the winter purely because of the light issue showing houses that are obviously empty. Please keep an eye out for anything suspicious.

"The South Worcestershire Proactive CID Burglary Team are committed to limiting the amount of time burglars spend out in the community and work together with other police departments and partner agencies to get these offenders locked up."

"We appreciate it is a significant offence that has a significant impact on the victim and the community," he said.

DI Knight said he was aware of victims who had moved out of the county because of the impact of a burglary. "We will work tirelessly to identify and bring burglars to justice which, for us, is getting them to prison," he said.

People should call 999 if a crime is taking place, and 101 with any information about who may be committing these offences.

Crime stoppers can also be contacted anonymously online or via telephone 0800 555111.