IT is feared burglars who stole tens of thousands of pounds of gold jewellery from two Westcliff homes could be targetting the Asian community.

Expensive jewellery, tablet computers and cash were stolen from the properties in West Road and Colemans Avenue over two days. Officers investigating the thefts are exploring the possibility that they could be linked.

Steve Parry, acting inspector for Leigh, said: “It is very upsetting, as financially things can be replaced, but sentimental things cannot. We are looking for crime patterns and doing anything we can to safeguard the victims.”

The first burglary, in West Road on Monday, happened between 6pm and 11.30pm while the family were out for the evening.

They returned home to find crooks had got in through a bathroom window at the back and stolen jewellery, cash, a tablet and a camera.

Less than 24 hours later, a second home was targeted in Colemans Avenue. Thieves got into the house at some point between 2.30pm and 6pm. It is not known how they got in.

The victims are still listing what property has been stolen.

Acting Insp Parry added: “If you have high-value items, make sure your windows are locked, as people are less inclined to smash a window.”

One of the founders of Southend’s Ethnic Community Forum said he had heard of more burglaries targeting Asian families.

Ahmad Khwaja, 71, said: “Over the last six to eight months,Ihave been hearing about these thefts. I know of one friend who lives in Billericay who had their house cleaned of all the jewellery, which was with them for goodness knows how many years – passed from mum to daughter.”

Anyone with information about either theft should call detectives at Southend CID on 101.