BURGLARS have struck two homes in the same village in a night.

Detectives are looking at the possibility that two break-ins in Lawford were the work of the same criminals.

Thieves entered a house through an unlocked back door on Turner Avenue between 10pm on Monday, December 3 and 1am Tuesday, December 4.

They stole a mobile and keys to a Mercedes C180.

During the early hours of Tuesday, December 4, thieves stole a computer tablet, mobile phone, handbag, satnav and the keys to a black Audi A4 before then actually stealing the car which was parked outside.

The burglars got into the house in Munnings Way through a locked front door.

The Audi activated a camera in Colchester a few hours after it was stolen.

Investigating officer, Dc Luke Howard, said: "We believe that thieves intended to return to steal the Mercedes in the Turner Avenue break-in.

“We’re appealing for any further sightings of the Audi which is on a private registration beginning J7. We would like to remind homeowners of the need to secure their properties, closing and locking windows and doors regardless of whether they themselves are in or out for the day or night.”

Anyone with information in connection with these burglaries is urged to contact detectives at Clacton police station on 101.