Extra police patrols have been ordered after a professional gang of antiques thieves burgled eight homes in two months, stealing tens of thousands of pounds of goods.

And police are warning antiques owners in rural areas of mid-Essex to lock up their homes and activate burglar alarms when they go out.

Det Sgt Paul Bell, of Chelmsford Police, said: "Over the past two months eight homes, that is one a week, have been broken into and tens of thousands of pounds of antiques have been stolen.

"A lot of long case clocks are being taken. The offenders are forcing their way into homes and stealing good quality antiques but leaving stuff that's not so valuable - so they know what they're looking for."

He said isolated homes in rural areas everywhere including Danbury, Pleshey and the Easters had been targeted.

And police believe it is the same gang carrying out the burglaries.

He said owners were advised to lock their premises and activate alarms. Extra rural police patrols will also be put on.

Anyone with any information on the antique thefts should contact CID at Chelmsford Police Station on 01245 491212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Published Monday, April 8, 2002