BURGLARS stole Christmas presents from a house while the owners slept upstairs.

The thieves gained entry to a property in Coopers Lane, Clacton via an unlocked back door between 11pm on Saturday and 2am on Sunday.

They stole cash, jewellery and the gifts but dumped some unwanted items further down the road.

Essex police wish to remind residents to check that all entrances to their homes are locked before they go to bed.

Det Con Luke Howard said: “It is always worth going round last thing at night to check that all your windows and doors are secure and if you have any doubt in your mind as to whether you have locked a door or not, go back and make sure.

“Thieves will always look to target homes that are insecure and three in ten burglaries occur at homes that had left windows or door open.

“Remember thieves only need to get lucky once to get into your home.”

Anyone with any information about the burglary should call Clacton police station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.