RESIDENTS in Colchester have been warned to keep their homes secure after a spate of burglaries.

Electrical equipment and jewellery valued at more than �3,500 was stolen when thieves targeted five homes on Monday.

It comes after police revealed thousands of pounds worth of electrical goods were stolen from nine homes in south Colchester, between January 3 and 16.

The Monday raids hit homes in Salisbury Avenue, Granville Road, Ash Grove and Hedge Drive, in Colchester, and Kelvedon Road, in Inworth.

Police said that �2,500 worth of jewellery was stolen during the Inworth burglary, which happened between 7.15am and 7.30am.

Thieves smashed their way into the Granville Road property between 12.45pm and 3pm, before making off with a laptop and an MP3 player with a �500 value.

Detective sergeant Shaun Hudson, of Colchester police, said: “This number of burglaries is a cause for concern.

“We don’t want to worry people, but we do want to make them aware that these incidents are happening so they can stop themselves becoming victims.

“Colchester is one of the safest places in the county and the number of burglaries in the town are low compared to other areas.

“However, one theft is too many for us and we’re doing all we can to stop this.

“It is an extremely unpleasant experience to find someone in your home, or to find that someone has stolen from it.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who may be able to help us bring the people responsible to justice.

“Make sure you lock doors and windows and consider investing in a burglar alarm. Keep an eye out for your neighbours, particularly the elderly or vulnerable.”

If you can help, call Ds Hudson on 0300 333 4444.