recent break-ins and thefts.

Spokeswoman Evelyn James Barnett said on Monday night a burglar was caught in the act at a Warwick residence.

The female occupant of the Keith Hall Estate apartment said went to bed at about 10 p.m., but left a window open.

She was awakened by a noise about half an hour later and saw a man standing in her bedroom. He fled empty-handed.

The man was described as black, of heavy build, in his 30s, approximately five feet, 11 inches tall. He was wearing a jean shirt and pants, with dreadlocks tied back in a white piece of cloth.

And a Sandys Parish residence was targeted by thieves between 2.30 p.m. on Sunday and 1 a.m. on Monday.

The occupants told Police that certain windows of the West Side Road home had been left open for ventilation.

The culprits gained entry through the windows and stole a Raymond Weil watch with a white face and gold/silver strap and a Seiko watch with a gold face and gold strap were stolen.

Mrs. James Barnett added that a woman riding along the Shelly Bay stretch in Hamilton Parish on Monday afternoon became the victim of a handbag snatching.

The woman said she felt a tugging at the rear of her motorcycle as the suspect rode up beside her around 1 p.m.

She then noticed the man had stolen her handbag from the rear basket. She gave chase, but lost the thief near Flatts Village.

The handbag contained two bottles of perfume and other personal items. The suspect is described as black, of slim build, approximately five feet, six inches tall. He was wearing dark clothing and a dark helmet.

Anyone who may have witnessed or who may have information on these incidents can contact either the Hamilton Police Station on 295-0011, the St. George's Police Station on 297-1122, the Somerset Police Station on 234-1010, or the Crime Stoppers Hotline on 1-800-623-8477.