Police have urged publicans and shopkeepers to be on their guard after a spate of attempted burglaries.

Officers issued the warning after a group of burglars, made up of people of eastern European appearance, have been targeting businesses in the Witham area.

A string of incidents have been reported involving raids on shops, pubs, hotels and even a jewellers where groups cause a distraction before sneaking up into private quarters.

On Tuesday a woman was arrested and charged with burglary after an incident at a convenience store near Witham.

Other recent examples include £10,000 worth of jewellery being stolen from The Sun Inn, Feering, and cash being taken from The Hare and Hounds, High Garrett, near Braintree.

Det Con Paul Ritson, of Witham CID, said: "I can't say the same group of people are involved every time but it certainly seems to be a new type of crime.

"They go into a shop or pub and confuse everyone inside, asking obscure questions like where a shop stocks its Australian wines.

"Four of five of them ask questions at the same time and the fact they only speak pidgin English makes it very confusing for the staff involved.

"Then one of the group sneaks off to find the shop or pub's private living quarters - areas which the public don't normally have access to."

Mr Ritson urged shopkeepers and publicans to make sure access to such areas is always shut or locked.

Anyone with information or who sees anything suspicious is asked to call Braintree police on 01376 551312, Witham police on 01376 501212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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