Business and home owners are urged to be vigilant following a spate of burglaries in north Essex.

A green mini motorbike was stolen from a shed in Clarke’s Road, Harwich between April 4 and April 6.

Between 5pm on April 7 and 3pm the next day, a boat shed in The Quay, Harwich, was broken into but nothing was taken.

Property was stolen from a shed in Manor Road, Harwich, along with the door lock, between 11pm on April 15 and 8.30am the next day.

Burglars stole a MacAllister cordless drill, Titan angle grinder and two boiler suits from a garage in The Vineway, Harwich, between 6pm on April 17 and 9.30am the following day.

Thieves attempted to force open rear doors at Top Draw Bingo in Kingsway, Dovercourt, between 10pm on April 17 and 10.30am the next day, but failed to gain entry.

Between April 16 and April 21, a black and white Hard Rock mountain bike worth £450 was taken from a shed in Orwell Road, Harwich, and six metres of copper were stolen from an outbuilding off King George’s Avenue, Harwich.

An Essex Police spokesman said the incidents were not believed to be linked but he advised residents to take precautions to protect their property.

“With sheds, padlocks offer little protection, so invest in a good quality, well designed shed and think about where you position it,” he added.

“Install alarms and invest in lights, firmly secure the door and windows and fit window film to glass to increase its strength.

“Fit a wire cage or secured, lockable box inside to lock more expensive items away, or anchor a thick cable to the floor and attach items to it and secure with a good quality padlock.”

More advice can be found at www.essex.police.uk