Actress Keri Russell jumped into action after overhearing burglars chatting in her New York home early on Wednesday (04Dec13).

The Austenland star was woken by the sound of the intruders in the room above her and immediately called the police, according to the New York Post.

Reports suggest a 50-year-old man and his teenage nephew, who took a computer, jewellery and other items from Russell's home in Brooklyn, were apprehend by cops as they attempted to burgle another house nearby.

Both men have been charged with burglary and criminal possession of stolen property.