POLICE are warning residents in Deal not to leave their handbags, purses and wallets near their back doors following two burglaries in the past week.

Homes in Mill Hill and Dola Avenue have been targeted by an opportunist burglar, where a back door has been left unlocked, and purses, etc, have been left where they could be seen from the garden.

The incidents happened while the occupants were in the house, but in other rooms.

Det Sgt Sean Beautridge said: “The combination of leaving valuables near an insecure back door, and the kitchen light on, has made it easy for the thief to see that the kitchen is empty.

"It would have taken seconds for him to quietly open the door, grab the handbag or purse, and then escape with them.”

He added: “Burglary in Deal is relatively rare and the area remains a safe place to live. I would, however, urge everyone not to leave their valuables unattended where they can be seen from outside, and to make sure that all front and back doors are always kept locked, to keep out the opportunist thief.”