BURGLARS raided two homes in a quiet Dorset village during the course of one night last week.

The thieves targeted properties in Ringwood Road and Paddock Close, St Ives, on Friday, December 28.

Jewellery was stolen from each of the houses.

Police have called on residents to keep their homes secure in the wake of the burglaries.

PCSO James Marsh of the West Moors, St Leonards and Three Legged Cross Neighbourhood Policing Team urged all residents to cancel milk and newspaper deliveries while away, avoid discussing holiday plans where strangers may overhear the conversation and ask a trusted neighbour to put bins back after collection day or even park their car on the driveway.

"Make sure your home looks like someone is living in it," he said.

"Don't close your curtains - in daytime, this shows the house is empty. Use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights on when it get dark."

Anyone with information about the burglaries should call 101 quoting 55170201215.