BURGLARS targeted a quiet little village raiding three homes in one night.
 

Residents in Layer-de-la-Haye are being asked to lock up their doors and stay alert with criminals operarting iin the area.
 

It is believed they went around the village trying doors and taking what they could.
 

A knife and tobacco were stolen from a home in Malting Green Road between 10.30pm on Tuesday and 7.30am on Wednesday.
 

They entered through the conservatory which had been left unlocked.
 

Cash was taken from another property in Lower End between 1am and 4.30am on Wednesday after they got in through an unlocked door
 

And car keys were taken from another home in Malting Green Road, between 1am and 7am.
 

They unlocked the Seat car on the driveway and stole an iPod.
Colchester’s Crime Prevention Officer Stephen Armson-Smith has urged residents to take greater care.
 

He said: “Remember to lock doors and windows if you go out.
 

“If you leave a door or patio door open trouble can come in, even during the day.
 

“If that door is accessible the sneak thief will pop in and anything lying around will be gone, you may have only popped down the end of the garden or having a quick shower upstairs, it only takes a second.
 

"Before you turn in for the night do the rounds and check all is secure, some may think it is a bit over the top but you will feel more confident and less likely to become a victim.”
 

Anyone with information call Colchester police on 101.