The daytime break-in happened between 9.30am and 12.45pm on Saturday at a cottage in the Wroxeter area.

It was left locked and secure by the occupants but on returning they found a ground floor window had been forced. The security alarm was activated at 11.37am.

A Toshiba laptop and an iPod were stolen from the kitchen.

Detective Constable Stephen Davies, the investigating officer, said: “I am appealing to anyone who saw people behaving suspiciously in the area – probably with a vehicle – during Saturday morning, to get in touch.”

He said an incident reported a short time earlier about a silver Hyundai Coupe car seen in the Easton Constantine area with two men who were looking at properties, might be connected to the burglary.

Anyone who can assist the investigation should contact the burglary unit at Shrewsbury police station on 101. Information about the identities of the offenders can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111, or via the website, www.crimestoppers-uk.org.