THESE images have been released in a bid to catch a burglar who spent up to six hours in a secure block of bedsits.

The man was spotted on CCTV footage outside Jackson House, in Honorius Drive, High Woods, Colchester, on Sunday, December 6, at 12.40am.

He got into a bedsit in the property through an unlocked set of french doors.

They had been left open by a resident who had gone into the garden to smoke.

The intruder stole £95 and a debit card, but did not disturb the occupant, who was sleeping in the room at the time. Attempts were later made to use the card to withdraw money from a cash machine.

He was next spotted on CCTV at 6.40am, and police initially feared the man may have broken into other rooms in the building.

Jackson House is run by Springboard Housing Association, and provides bedsits for people with mental health problems.

Det Con Tim Harris said he was confident other residents had not fallen victim to the burglar.

No one was injured during the break-in.

He said: “This was a despicable crime because these were vulnerable people being targeted.

“These stills, taken from CCTV cameras outside the block, show a man moving along the area of Severalls Lane and High Woods.

“He was there at about midnight, and again just before 7am, offering two opportunities for residents or commuters to have seen him.”

Anyone who spotted the man before or after the incident is urged to contact Colchester CID on 0300 3334444, or to call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.