POLICE have reported another burglary in Ledbury, bringing the total in the town, during the present spree, to twelve.

This figure does not include several other, probably related burglaries in Colwall.

For the first time in the run of burglaries, which began at the end of September, a house on the New Mills estate has been targeted.

Police believe the latest incident is linked to the other burglaries: not least because there was forced entry the rear of the premises and the intruder took "a quantity of jewellery".

Jewellery seems to have been the main target in other recent break-ins, and in keeping with the other burglaries in the spree, the targeted house was unoccupied at the time.

The latest burglary took place on Wednesday, December 17, from 12.45pm to 6.45pm in Browning Road.

The householders had left their home at 1.15pm, and returned at 6.45pm; but investigating officer, DC Laurence James believes the break-in probably took place during the hours of darkness, after 5pm, because workmen were at work in a neighbour's house until then, and probably would have heard or seen something.

The intruder went down the side of the house and entered the rear garden through an unlocked wooden side gate.

He then gained entrance through a patio door, by shattering the glass.

This mode of entrance is also in keeping with other recent break-ins in Ledbury.

Police are appealing for witnesses, and anyone who can help should phone the 101 number and quote the incident number 0576S171214.