TWO neighbouring houses in Stratton were broken into and a Facebook post which appears made by a neighbour describes one house as being "strewn with bits out of every drawer and cupboard".

The burglaries happened sometime between 11am and 1.30pm on September 4, police said.

The Facebook post, which has been shared by more than 50 people, also suggested that the offender must have seen a resident leave her house and "took their chance".

The post wrote: "My very elderly neighbour was burgled this morning, between 11am and 1.30pm.

"I was at home at the time with the grandchildren in the lounge, if the weather had been better we'd have been in the garden and seen or heard something.

"She called me on her return home and the bungalow was strewn with bits out of every drawer and cupboard.

"Whoever this was saw her leave to get the bus and took their chance.

"Please be vigilant and look to see who may be loitering before you leave home.

"They must be local and known to somebody."

According to police, entry was gained to the bungalow after a side window was forced, which caused damage. 

Blinds were drawn as the offender conducted a search of the house. Jewellery was stolen. 

At a neighbouring house, entry was gained by forcing open the rear French windows. Offenders would have had to climb over the side to gain access to these windows.

They then appeared to have drawn the curtains as they searched the house.

Police did not provide any information about what was stolen there.

They are seeking to identify a white Land Rover Discovery seen on the road at about 12.30pm that day, which a neighbour reported as being suspicious.

If you have any information, call 101 or email 101@gloucestershire.police.uk, citing incident 206 of September 4.