CRIMINALS have been breaking into cars in Southchurch and Thorpe Bay in a hunt for valuables.

The thieves have ransacked 16 cars in the last two weeks alone.

In 11 cases the car had been left unlocked.

Most have happened overnight, with 14 of the owners discovering the theft when they woke up in the morning.

The time frame appears to be from 8pm to 8am and the most commonly stolen item is sat navs.