FIVE men have been charged in connection with what police have called a "complex investigation" into numerous burglaries in Essex, Suffolk, Kent, Surrey and London.

George Robinson, 30, a labourer, of Holland Road, Clacton, faces 14 counts of burglary and one of attempted burglary.

John Lenihan, 47, unemployed, of Church Road, Clacton, faces two counts of burglary.

David Speed, 29, of no fixed address, is charged with 28 burglaries and one attempted burglary.

Alan Speed, 32, of no fixed address, is charged with 25 burglaries and one attempted burglary.

Jimmy Stevens, 36, of no fixed address, is charged with four counts of burglary.

They are due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on September 5.