RESIDENTS have been urged to remain vigilant after a woman disturbed burglars at her home outside York this week.

Detectives investigating burglaries in the Bilton-in-Ainsty area have appealed for information, after two neighbouring homes in Rudgate were targeted by burglars at about 11.30am on Wednesday.

One householder was upstairs when she heard a knock at the front door, then her back door. On her way downstairs, she heard a rear window smash.

The woman ran outside to get help, and saw a small, white van in a nearby lay-by. It drove off towards Wighill, picking up another person who ran from the victim’s house.

Police later discovered the house next door had been burgled and some high-value jewellery stolen.

Anyone who saw a small white van suspiciously in the neighbourhood is asked to phone 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.