Cops: Man wakes, finds burglar in home

A man who awoke to use the bathroom at his Syosset home early Tuesday got an unwelcome surprise when police said he found a man rifling through his wife's pocketbook.

The 72-year-old man, whose identity was not released, was not injured in the burglary, Nassau County police said.

Police said the burglar fled the house on Cold Spring Road through a back door. It was not clear how much cash was taken.

Police said the burglary occurred at about 3:30 a.m. They said the man had awakened and had gone to use the bathroom when he stumbled upon the intruder, who was described at being about 6 feet tall and in his 20s or 30s. The intruder wore a knit cap and dark pants, police said.

Police are asking anyone with information about the burglary to call Crime Stoppers at 800-244-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.