Tiptree: Warning follows spate of break-ins

The Essex village has been targetted at least five times in the last five weeks, prompting police to renew appeals for residents to lock doors and windows at night and when not at home.

The first burglary happened on Wednesday, August 8 when thieves entered a house in Walnut Tree Way during the daytime and stole a camera, a quantity of jewellery and cash.

The second was an attempted burglary at a bungalow in Green Lane where thieves tried to force their way in shortly after 6pm on Friday, August 17.

The third burglary happened between Tuesday, August 28 and Wednesday, August 29 when thieves smashed their way through a rear window of a house in Maple Leaf and stole a quantity of cash and jewellery.

The fourth burglary happened during the early hours of Saturday, September 1 when thieves entered a bungalow off Station Road through an insecure window and stole a purse.

The fifth was an attempted burglary during which thieves attempted to enter a bungalow in Station Road through an open window at 3am on Saturday, September 1.

Investigating officer, Dc Andrea Ford, said: “There have been quite a few burglaries in and around Tiptree where thieves have been entering properties through insecure doors. People must lock up properly.

“We urge people to close and lock their doors when leaving there premises or before going to bed as opportunist thieves do operate in the area.

“Even rear gates to gardens should be secured. A padlocked gate will often deter a burglar and will certainly make it harder for them to leave with any stolen items if they have broken into house.

“We would ask anyone who saw any suspicious, unusual activity in this area during the past few weeks to contact us.”

Detectives are looking at the possibility that all of the burglaries were committed by the same people.

Anyone with information in connection with the burglaries is urged to contact detectives at Colchester police station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.