A THIEF escaped with a handbag and its contents after burgling a Teignmouth property while the owner was at home.

The broad daylight back door break-in happened in Barnpark Road just before 4.30pm on Friday.

The intruder rifled the woman’s handbag and snatched a Lumix camera, iPhone and a purse containing cash and cards.

Police are urging residents to be on their guard.

The victim was alerted after hearing a noise in the property. She went to investigate and found her handbag’s contents had been stolen.