Bold Telford burglars steal TV in broad daylight

A passerby spotted two men going into the flat in Brookside and called the police.

The men forced their way into the flat in Beaconsfield just after 3.45pm yesterday.

Police are now appealing for other witnesses to come forward.

The member of the public saw two white men enter the property before coming out a short time later carrying a large television and a games console.

Police officers responded to the alert immediately and searched the area, but the men were not traced.

A spokesman for Telford police said: "This is an unusual incident as it happened in broad daylight with no obvious attempt to be discreet.

"Further investigation by officers at the scene established that, in addition to the 42in Panasonic plasma television and a Microsoft Xbox, a black ACER ZD1 laptop computer was also stolen as a result of this break-in.

"The two men who entered the property are said to have made off down an alleyway off Beaconsfield with the stolen items."

Police said both men were described as 5ft 9in tall.

One of the men is described as wearing a dark coloured hooded top while the other was wearing a blue jacket and a woolly hat.

Police are investigating and are keen to speak to other witnesses.

Anyone with information about this incident, or who may know the identity of the offenders, is urged to contact police officers in Telford on 101 or 0300 333 3000, quoting incident number 481S 290113.

Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.

It comes as West Mercia police warned householders that burglars will become more active now the snow has gone.

A spokesman said: "Residents need to make sure their homes are secure. The freezing weather over recent weeks seems to have kept burglars at home.

"However, there are signs burglars are offending again.

"With the harsh weather we've had this month, it looks like many burglars have chosen to stay indoors and it has been pleasing to see so few crimes take place.

"I would also like to ask local residents to make sure they are taking all the steps they can to protect their homes. In particular we would like people to make sure their property looks lived in, whether they are away on holiday or just popped to the shops for half an hour."