Detectives are appealing for information following a number of burglaries in north-east Essex where thieves have broken into properties despite the owners having secured them.

The first break-in happened in Jaywick when thieves forced open a rear uPVC window of a bungalow on Humber Avenue between August 29 and October 14 and stole a metal boiler and copper piping.

The second break-in happened in Harwich when thieves forced open a set of rear patio doors to a house on Orwell Road between October 7 and October 14 and stole two televisions, a games console, a laptop, cash and item of jewellery. The owner had returned from holiday to find his home had been ransacked.

The third was an attempted break-in in Clacton when thieves forced open the front door of a flat on Selsey Avenue during the daytime of October 19. It is then believed they were frightened off the owner’s dog which was inside. They left empty-handed.

The fourth break-in happened in Clacton when thieved forced open the front door of a flat on Beach Road between 6pm October 19 and 9am October 20 and stole a satellite set-top box.

Investigating Officer, Dc Lee Winfield, said: “Aside from the Clacton burglaries, there is nothing to suggest the other two are linked. The only suggestion that the two flats in Clacton are possibly connected is their proximity to each other.

“We really do sympathise with all these homeowners as they did what we tell everyone to do and that is secure your property when you leave it.

“They did and yet still got broken into. We would like to identify the perpetrators behind these crimes but need the assistance of others.

“Anyone who saw any suspicious activity or unusually-placed vehicles near any of these properties on the dates and at the times stated should contact us as they are crucial witnesses.”

Forensic examinations of all the burglaries were carried out as were house-to-house enquiries.

Anyone with information in connection with any of these burglaries is urged to contact detective at Clacton police station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111