A BARKING dog alerted its owner to crooks trying to break into their home.

The Crown Road, Clacton, resident was woken at 3am on New Years Day by their pet barking, and saw a person running away from the house.

When the homeowner investigated they found marks on the front porch door and a torch lying on the floor.

Fortunately the burglars had not got in and stolen anything.

A second homeowner was not so lucky on the same evening when crooks broke into his house on Greenford Road, also Clacton.

The burglars stole various items after breaking glass in the back door to get in, and also smashed glass on a van door parked on the drive.

  • Anyone with information on either incident should contact investigating officer Det Con Emma Beynon at Clacton Police Station on 101.