POLICE have warned that burglars can raid a home in less than 90 seconds after an incident in Ashley Heath.

Officers were called to reports of a burglary at an address in Elmore Drive on the evening of Friday, August 25.

Intruders smashed a window while the homeowners were out.

PCSO Adam Fitzwalter of the West Moors, St Leonards and St Ives Neighbourhood Policing Team called for anyone with information to call 101, quoting incident number 25:360.

"We would like to stress the importance of having a good working burglar alarm for your homes," he said.

"This remains the number one crime prevention tool above CCTV and other home security products.

"Intruders are deterred by the sound of alarms and many systems can be linked to monitoring centres, who will call the police and the homeowner when the alarm is triggered.

"We will be stepping up patrols over the coming weeks in the area.

"However, it is worth remembering that an offender can be in and out of a home in less than 90 seconds.

"These criminals are fast, discreet and usually well aware not to leave forensic evidence, making them very difficult to catch.

"Prevention is the best measure."