A HAUL of stolen Christmas presents taken after a spate of burglaries have now been returned to heartbroken families.

Police teams have worked to help return the gifts, which were nabbed from families across Southend over the festive period.

It was a joint operation by Essex Police crews that led to the recovery of several stolen items, with Southend CID, the Proactive Team and the Local Policing Team all working together to help reunite them with their owners.

Their success follows a stark warning from grandparents Helen and Keith Edwards, who were left devastated after their home on Lonsdale Road was burgled while they were still in bed.

Sadly, they are yet to see their presents returned after the break in on December 22.

The couple, aged 55 and 56, were targeted on the morning of their granddaughter’s fourth birthday and were so upset when they couldn’t replace the stolen gifts while non-essential shops in Essex remained closed under Tier 4 restrictions.

Bags of presents for their other grandchildren were also taken, which included toys, clothes and an iPad. Overall, the family estimate around £1,000 worth was stolen.

Their daughter, 29, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “This really has affected our family - there’s been a lot of sleepless nights and it’s really caused a lot of anxiety. You can still see the markings on the front door.

“Mum and dad are getting better everyday, but I don’t think you can ever fully get over something like that.

“But what we do have to laugh about is that they took dad’s black puffer coat which had holes in the pocket! It’s not like it was even designer.”

Their daughter, from Southend, has now thanked the Echo for helping share their story.

She added: “We didn’t expect to get the presents back, but our main aim was to get the word out. And so many came forward offering donations which was so lovely.”

A man has been charged with 21 offences.

Edward Williams, 36, of no fixed address, was arrested in Southend on New Years Eve. He has been charged with eight burglaries, nine attempted burglaries, and four counts of fraud by false representation.

The alleged offences all took place in Southend between December 21 and 31.

He was remanded at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on January 2 and is due to appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday January 13.