3:56pm Monday 24th December 2012
RESIDENTS are being urged to be on the lookout for burglars following a spate of break-ins in the Clacton area.
In the latest incident, cat burglars crept into a home in Hillside Crescent, Holland-on-Sea, through an unlocked door.
After returning from walking his pet dog, the owner found thieves had stolen a mobile telephone, a briefcase and a handbag.
His wife was asleep in the bungalow during the incident, which happened shortly before 7.30am on December 22.
Burglars smashed their way into another home, in Blenheim Road, Clacton, shortly after 6pm on December 18.
They forced their way through the back door of the house before stealing a large-screen television.
Gold jewellery, an engagement ring, bracelets and a collection of old coins were stolen from another home in Hastings Avenue on December 17.
The elderly homeowners had just returned from hospital when they found their home had been raided.
Would be burglars also tried to break in to a house in Manor Road, between 10pm on December 21 and 11am on December 23, but were unsuccessful.
Investigating officer, Det Con Lee Winfield, said: "In the matter of a few days, these areas were hit hard by burglars.
“We need to stop this trend, but do the need the public’s help.
“If people are seen acting suspiciously or television sets being taken into the street in odd circumstances, then they should contact us immediately on 999.
“We will continue with our high-visibility patrols in a bid to deter these criminals, but we can’t be everywhere all of the time.
“We need the eyes of the public to help us catch these people and stop burglaries.”
He added that forensic examinations of all the properties were conducted as well as house-to-house enquiries.
Anyone with information in relation to the burglaries is asked to call detectives at Clacton police station on 101 or Crimestopppers on 0800 555111.
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