Two burglaries are being investigated in Schuylkill County.

State police at Schuylkill Haven said the residence of Mary Frances Chismar, 87, of 227 Jackson St., Port Carbon, was entered via the front door with a key that was hidden between the rear storm door and house door. Once inside the criminals took two checks from a table in the living room totaling $1,217 and a purse with $200 in U.S. currency in it. The incident occurred sometime between 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 30.The second entry occurred at the home of Dana Bashore, 21, of 1231 Schuylkill Mountain Road, in South Manheim Township. Entry was gained through a side window. Once inside the criminals took a Toshiba laptop computer and a black 38 LCP Ruger handgun with two magazines. Before leaving the criminals lit Bashore's mail on fire that was on the kitchen table. The incident occurred sometime between Friday, Dec. 31, at 6 p.m. and 12:20 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1.Anyone with information concerning either incident is asked to call troopers at (570) 593-2000.