BURGLARS broke into a house and stole a car off the drive.

They broke in at Ulting Way, Wickford, between 11.30pm on July 2 and 6.30am on July 3, forcing the front door.

They searched the house and took the keys to a 2012 Fiat 500, worth £7,250, which they drove away.

A second car was taken the same night after a raid on a a house in Pound Lane, Bowers Gifford. Thieves broke in between 11.10pm and 7.30am the next day, took the keys and drove off in a black 2007 Ford Fiesta, worth £4,000.

Police are appealing for anyone with information on either incident to call detectives at Basildon police station, on 101.