PEOPLE who left their homes at the mercy of burglars got a knock at their door from police.

Bobbies covering the Vange ward were out and about on the 3/4 estate looking for homes with unlocked windows or doors, making them easy prey for burglars, in a bid to drive down the number of break-ins in the area.

The police, backed by officers from South Anglia Housing and Aspet Maintenance, who look after homes on the estate, were also making notes of overgrown bushes and trees plus empty homes which could provide shelter and storage for criminals.

PC Andy Heard, Vange neighbourhood specialist officer, said: “We are working hard in the area to keep residents safe.”