Cops: Cedarhurst residents startle burglar

Two women who were at home watching television Sunday evening startled a burglar who had let himself into their Cedarhurst home through an unlocked front door, police said.

The burglar fled, but not before stealing a green leather handbag from Banana Republic that had been on the dining room table, Nassau County police said. Police did not disclose the contents of the handbag.

Police said no one was injured in the incident, which occurred on Arbuckle Avenue just after 8:20 p.m.

The two women -- one 62 years old, the other 23 -- were watching television when, police said, they heard someone inside the house. Police said they startled the burglar, who was described as being in his 20s or early 30s, about 5-foot-10 with a heavy-to-stocky build. The man wore a tan jacket with a hood, work boots and a black knit hat.

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