Thieves forced entry into a residential home and sheltered accommodation in Burnham-on-Sea.

Thieves attempted to break in to Kingsleigh Care Home on Berrow Road, at 4am, on February 22, after smashing a rear door.

Sam Oatway, 44, manager of the Kingsleigh care home, said: "The thieves smashed the glass in the back door but didn't get in because of the bolt. The smashing sound woke one resident up who came out of her room and a care assistant also heard it and they were scared off.

"Fortunately they didn't get in and take anything but a lot of the elderly residents here are feeling very worried now.

"I find it concerning that people would break into a residential home.

"I am not sure what their intention was, whether they were after medication or money."

Further along the road, Treasure Court sheltered accommodation was also broken into in the early hours.

Diane McMichael, 61, court manager, said: "They got in through the window in the early hours. They forced the lock to get in, even the security lighting didn't deter them.

"They then picked the lock on the filing cabinet and took a cash box containing £90 in guest room takings. The residents are vulnerable elderly people and this makes them feel very nervous.

"This is a sheltered housing complex with 21 flats and the residents are aged 60 onwards, most are in their 70s, 80s and 90s.

"It is wrong that someone could do this.

"Nothing else was taken so they were obviously after the money."

Over the same weekend other premises were targeted in nearby towns, including the Bason Bridge Inn and the Crown Inn, both in East Huntspill. More than £3,500 was stolen from the Bason Bridge Inn, according to landlord Michael Bray, who said he was "gutted and shocked" by the burglary.

He said: "My safe has gone, a load of spirits have been taken and the fruit machine has been raided - it is usually very quiet around here."

Landlord of the Crown Inn Pete Wilson said thieves who targeted his pub had not been so lucky and escaped with only a small float.

He said: "We discovered on Sunday morning that the float had been taken after seeing patio tables piled up against the window.

"They used this to get to the first floor but I don't think they got inside.

"They must have used some sort of hook to steal the cash box and some paperwork.

"It contained a small amount of float, only a couple hundred so we were lucky in comparison."

Beechfield School in Highbridge was also broken into but it appears nothing was stolen. Three post boxes were also taken in Cornmoor Crescent, East Huntspill; The Causeway in Mark; and Mudgley Crossroads, near Wedmore.

PS Steve Lawrence, who is the officer in the charge of the post box theft case, said: "If anyone is concerned about items of post that were in these boxes, or has any other information which may assist the investigation, they should contact us.

"The police at Burnham-On-Sea can be contacted on 0845 456 7000 and Crimestoppers are on 0800 555 111."

Police spokesman Steve Gane said: "The incident at Treasure Court is reported to have taken place overnight between February 21 and 22 by an unknown offender who entered an office there.

"A small amount of cash was taken.

"At Kingsleigh again between February 21 and 22 a door was damaged as offenders tried to force their way inside but no access was gained.

"Inquiries into both matters are ongoing.

"Both are homes for the elderly and they are near each other but there is nothing else to link these incidents."