POLICE have charged a man following burglaries in Cheltenham and Tewkesbury.

A man has been charged with burglary following an incident between 6pm and 6.30pm on Monday, January 6 at a house on Overton Park Road in Cheltenham.

The second incident happened at a farm house in the village of Hawling between Andoversford and Winchcombe at around 3.45pm on Monday, January 27.

Inspector Roddy Gosden of Gloucestershire Police said “The victims of both of these crimes were elderly members of our community, so when any vulnerable member of society is a victim we take it extremely seriously.

“I would urge members of the public to take extra care of their elderly neighbours simply by watching out for anyone suspicious loitering around or perhaps challenging someone you don’t recognise calling at an elderly neighbour’s house.”

Mark Joseph Patrick Hawkins of Marshland Road Cheltenham has been charged with burglary.

The 55-year-old has been remanded in custody and will appear before Gloucester Crown Court on February 28.