A TERRIFIED homeowner has described the “eerie” moment a crook was caught on camera trying to break into her home with a screwdriver.

The balaclava-clad culprit was seen trying to get into the home in Mount Road, Wickford in the early hours of Tuesday.

Terri Clark, 50, said the suspect attempted to gain access through her front door using the .

She said: “It was very eerie, if it wasn’t for our ring doorbell, we would be none the wiser, its very scary and the length of a potential weapon too, it was a long screwdriver.

“I have a German Shepard that would have gone off if the alarm went off, if he had charged it, he would have been injured.

“We’ve been broken into before in Wickford, our roof was taken apart and they dropped inside, police did catch the gangs though, but now this is a big problem, and it makes you very aware.

“The police can’t be everywhere, but their presence does help, and my road is a dead end so they could have been tracked, if everyone else has reported this, then they will be looking into it.”

An Essex police spokesman said: “We received a report concerning an attempted burglary which took place at around 2.50am on Tuesday December 12 at an address in Mount Road, Wickford.

“It was reported a suspect had attempted to open the front door to a property before leaving the scene.

“The suspect was male, wearing a blue coat and joggers, a navy-blue balaclava, and gloves.

“Enquiries into this incident are continuing.

“We need witnesses, anyone with information or relevant footage, to come forward.

“Please quote reference number 42/219506/23.”

The Echo understands police were called to a number of attempted burglaries in the early hours of December 12, with burglary attempts taking place on Mount Road, Beauchamp’s Drive and Long Meadow Drive.

Police also received a call to an attempted burglary in Long Meadow Drive where “it was reported a male tried a door handle and caused damage to a door, before leaving the scene.”

Police advise witnesses or homeowners to call 101 and quote incident 115 of December 12 with information about the other incidents.

An Essex Police spokesman added: “We would urge residents in the area to ensure doors are kept secure and locked overnight.

“Remaining vigilant is key, but we would also urge you to report any suspicious activity to us as soon as possible.”