RESIDENTS in a leafy Colchester neighbourhood have sounded the alarm after an increase in burglaries.

St John’s Residents Association voiced concerns after thousands of pounds was stolen in raids on homes and businesses.

Jewellery and electricals were recently taken from two homes, in St Bernard Road and Dunthorne Road.

Burglars also stole thousands of pounds of cigarattes and stamps from Martin’s Newsagents, in St Christopher Road, on September 9 and again on September 27.

A diamond engagement ring, worth thousands of pounds, plus two TVs were stolen from a house in St John’s Road, between September 24 and 29, while the owners were on holiday.

Residents said car crime on the estate has also risen.

Patricia Baker, of St Bernard Road, lost her TV and jewellery given to her by her late husband when her house was raided.

She said: “They broke in through the back window and broke the back fence.

“The jewellery wasn’t just from my husband, but from family and friends.”

Ward councillor Paul Smith said: “Over the past three or four month, there has certainly been an increase in what has traditionally been a very low crime area.

“Previously, we have had one or two instances a quarter. Now we seem to be getting one a week.

“It’s something we obviously want to make everyone aware of and to work with the police to make sure extra resources are put into St John’s to try to resolve the issue.”

Detective Sgt Kim Sartini-Hawe said: “Officers in Colchester have been working very hard to create a hostile environment for burglars to operate in.

“This has included building strong relations with dealers of second-hand goods, excellent enforcement, and tenacious investigative and response work.”

She urged residents to protect their property and contact police if they are approached by anyone selling electricals or jewellery.

She added: “We all love a bargain, but if you are offered a television, a games console, or some jewellery at a cheap price, there’s a good chance you are being offered property that has been stolen in a burglary.

“The victim of that burglary could be your mother or your best friend.

“So, please let Essex Police know of any suspicious behaviour so we can stop the burglars.”