Burglars took a shower and cooked food after smashing a window to get into a Colchester home.

And in a second break-in, intruders left gas switched on after fleeing with £1,500 worth of valuables from a house.

The first crime was reported in Standard Road in the Hythe area.

Burglars smashed a bedroom window to get in, took a bike and other items, cooked food and used the shower.

Then, in Three Crowns Road in Mile End, Colchester, intruders got in through an upstairs window and took stereo equipment and mixing decks.

The victim returned home to find the gas had been on, but it had not done any damage.

Anyone with information about the break-ins should call police on 01206 762212.

Published Monday August 30, 2004

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