THIEVES are breaking into homes and stealing cars before dumping them nearby.

There were ten burglaries and attempted burglaries in the St Martins and Fryerns areas of Basildon in the space of two weeks.

In the majority of incidents, burglars broke into a home and took belongings, including car keys, before stealing the vehicle off the drive.

A number of victims who have been targeted between Saturday, November 1, and Friday, November 14, discovered their vehicle dumped nearby the following day.

Officers are investigating whether the spate is linked to a series of burglaries earlier this year, where joyriders stole cars and raced them round Laindon before torching them. Police are warning residents not to leave their car keys in their handbags, or by their front door overnight.

Sgt Angie Torrance, from Basildon police station, said: “We are urging residents to be vigilant and to protect themselves by ensuring their homes are properly locked up at night.

“A number of these break-ins have involved front and patio doors being forced open. We would advise people to ensure they properly lock UPVC doors at night and to consider fitting a door chain and bolt.

“We have increased visible patrols in the area and officers are making house to house inquiries.

“We also have PCSOs on duty in the area to reassure residents and hand out safety advice.

“If members of the public see anything suspicious in their neighbourhood, if they see anyone abandoning a vehicle or acting suspiciously in a vehicle at night, I urge them to contact police immediately.”

Anyone who has been offered stolen goods for sale, or who has any information about those responsible, should contact Basildon CID on 101, or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.