A woman asleep in her home woke to find an intruder rummaging through her things.
Police have now launched an urgent search for the burglar and have increased patrols in the area.
It happened at 10.30pm on Bank Holiday Monday at the property on Kings Gardens in the Sowerby area of Thirsk.
Kings Gardens, Sowerby
The police arrived within 15 minutes of the 999 call.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “The occupant, a woman in her 70s, woke after hearing a noise and discovered the suspect rummaging through her drawers.
“As the suspect left the property, he pushed past the victim, causing her to be forced out of the way.
“We are urging anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have seen anything suspicious, to come forward.
“We are carrying out additional reassurance patrols in the area to provide a visible police presence and support the local community.”
The man has blond hair, was wearing a green T-shirt and possibly carrying a can of lager.
If you can help police, you can contact them on the numbers below.
How to help the police
- Call North Yorkshire Police on 101
- Email Michael Moore
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the website
- Quote reference number 12260095623
