PEOPLE are being urged to be extra vigilant after burglars raided a home while the occupants were asleep.

Bridport Police are appealing for witnesses to the burglary which happened in St Andrew’s Road near the Longs Lane junction on Saturday night.

The thief walked in through an unlocked door and took two handbags, which contained a Nokia and a Blackberry phone.

The raid occurred between 1.30am and 8.30am.

PC Neil Gauden, of Dorchester police, said: “Entry was gained through an insecure door while the occupant slept and two handbags were stolen. I would urge anyone with information that can help with this investigation to phone Dorset Police on 101.

“I would also like to remind members of the public to thoroughly check their premises are secure when they go to bed to prevent this type of burglary.”

Mike Farmer, of the St Andrew’s Road Residents’ Association, urged people to be extra careful.

He said: “Everybody should be extra vigilant in these times.

“People don’t necessarily think of locking up when they are in their houses.

“But they should, especially at night when they are at home and particularly old vulnerable people.”

St Andrew’s Road residents Chris Smith said she heartily endorsed police advice to lock doors.