POLICE are urging people in Basildon to secure their homes after burglars raided houses for cars, credit cards, cash and jewellery.

There was a spate of eight burglaries in the town between last Monday and Friday.

During one incident at an address in Claremont Road on Monday June 12, suspects unknown entered a victim’s home and removed a bag which contained a four figure sum of cash and car keys.

A white Citroen was then taken from the property. This is believed to have happened between 10pm and midnight.

Following a burglary in Great Knightleys between midnight and 7am on Thursday June 15, a suspect gained entry to a property and removed the victm’s car keys, and then drove away their silver VW Polo.

Another burglary was carried out at a home in Lancaster Drive between midnight and 4am on Thursday, June 15. A search of the house is believed to have been conducted, and then a victim’s bag was removed. Inside, were the keys to a black Vauxhall Corsa and a black VW Golf, which were then both removed from the driveway.

The other five burglaries took place at addresses in Langdon Hills, Lee Chapel North and Billericay.

DI Anna Granger, from Basildon CID, said: “We really want to stress how important it is for homes to be secured adequately, even if people are only popping out for five minutes.

“It does not take an experienced burglar that long to break into and enter a property, and if locks are not completely secured, it makes it very easy for them.

“We do not want to unduly worry people, and as the temperature rises we know it is more difficult to keep homes secure, but it is a reality that extra vigilance is required following these recent incidents.

“Residents are reminded to ensure that front doors are double locked at all times, car keys and other valuable items are hidden and kept out of view and that all windows are closed and locked when not at home.

“We are exploring whether there are links between these burglaries, however at this time we are keeping an open mind as we explore various lines of enquiry.”

Anyone with information about any of these incidents or concerns is asked to contact DI Anna Granger at Basildon CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 101.

Link to Lift it, lock it, or lose it film: http://www.basildon.gov.uk/article/6079/Lift-it-Lock-It-or-Lose-it