JULIE Malone's family have been left in shock after burglars targeted their York home twice in less than a fortnight.

They believe intruders who snatched two expensive wall-mounted plasma TVs may have been watching their Beckfield Lane house.

Now her seven-year-old son Henry said he was scared the intruders will return and steal his precious pet hamster, Max.

His parents have invested in reinforced windows, surveillance cameras and extra locks, and have asked neighbours to be on their guard to try to stop another attack.

Julie, 41, who works as a sports therapist, has offered a "substantial reward" for any information which leads to the door of those responsible for the break-ins.

She said: "We feel that we have been watched and targeted. We wanted to protect my son from the burglary which is why we replaced the TV so quickly. We didn't want him to know it had happened.

"It makes us feel very vulnerable. They even came during broad daylight and got in while I was in the house. We feel so upset by it and we feel it's someone local.

"Somebody knows who did this and we are offering a substantial reward for information that leads to their conviction. I want people to be aware so they don't end up in the same boat as us."

The first theft took place on October 5 when intruders forced open a lounge window during the day and made off with a large TV and a laptop computer.

Julie was at home when it happened and discovered the theft when she found a sofa had been wedged against the living room door to stop her getting in.

The family believe the same people returned during the night 13 days later, while they were away, and smashed another ground floor window to gain entry to the house.

Once inside they took the replacement TV. The burglar alarm was activated, but by the time neighbours had got to the house no one could be seen.

PC Hamish Halloway, of York Police, said inquiries into both burglaries were ongoing, but officers did not know if the incidents were linked. Anyone with information should phone 0845 6060 247.

Updated: 10:02 Thursday, October 21, 2004