A Colchester family's dog may have prevented burglars from taking anything, after its barking is believed to have scared the would-be thieves off.
Police were called to an address in Lordswood Road on Thursday September 25, after the occupants returned home to find their back door had been forced open.
However, officers believe the family's Alsatian may have made the burglars leave in a hurry.
Investigating officer DC Mark Peacock said: "A number of rooms were searched and items thrown around the floor but fortunately nothing was taken. It seems that whoever broke in left quickly after be disturbed by the family's Alsatian dog which was heard barking loudly about half an hour before they returned home.
"We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area between 5.20pm and 8.15pm and might have seen anyone hanging around or running away from the scene."
Anyone with information should contact DC Peacock at Colchester CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
