A TRIO of suspected burglars have been charged following thefts in Malvern, Evesham and Pershore.

A suspected burglar has appeared in court following an overnight "sneak" burglary in Malvern while another suspect has been charged following a burglary against a vulnerable elderly woman in Evesham.

A 38-year-old male appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court today charged with burglary (dwelling) and two fraud offences following an overnight 'sneak in' burglary in Geraldine Road, Malvern. The theft is alleged to have happened on April 25 and into the following day.

The culprit entered via an insecure rear door while the people living there were asleep upstairs, stealing a handbag and contents and a rucksack. He then attempted to withdraw cash via a cashpoint using a bank card stolen in the burglary.

Following an investigation by proactive CID stolen property was recovered.

Detective sergeant Jamie Francis at Proactive CID at Worcester said: "Whilst this sort of offence is rare, it is vitally important that homeowners ensure that they lock all doors and windows at night, to ensure they do not become a victim of crime."

A male was charged today in relation to a distraction burglary in Battleton Road Evesham on May 2. The elderly person was distracted by one male in her kitchen, while another stole porcelain items from her lounge. The male was also charged with theft of a Macmillan charity tin from a vets in Pershore and two theft from store offences in Evesham the previous week. A second male has just been arrested in relation to that burglary and a burglary in Farleigh Road, Pershore between May 4 and and May 6. He is currently being dealt with by Proactive CID at Worcester.