Police are urging residents to keep their front doors locked after opportunist burglars strolled into a Harold Hill home - while their victim was upstairs.

The 18-year-old homeowner, who had unexpectedly returned to her house in Lancing Road shortly after setting off for work at 9.30am, saw the burglars leaving.

While she was upstairs looking for something she needed to take to work, she was alerted by sounds from below and ran downstairs to investigate, only to see the apparently empty-handed burglars fleeing.

It is believed that the intruders were able to enter the victim's home because she had left her front door on the latch. The victim believes the pair could have equally entered the building while she was out.

The incident prompted a warning from Sgt Mick Walford. He said: "The police would like to warn people against the dangers of not securing their premises. Even when you are in the house, don't leave your front door open or unlocked."

The suspects, both men, are described as being aged about 25. One was wearing black jeans and the other light blue jeans. They both wore black bomber jackets.

Anyone with any information should call the police on 01708 779686 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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