POLICE are encouraging people to double lock their doors following a rise in burglaries in Braintree.

Essex Community Messaging, a service set up by Essex Police, released a message saying in the past two weeks burglars have targeted the Fairview estate as well as Goldingham Estate.

They said: "The majority of the offences have occurred overnight and the method being used is popping UPVC doors which have not been double locked.

"It is essential if you have a UPVC door that you double lock it. Your UPVC door will be vulnerable if it is just shut not double locked."

Police documents show at least 14 burglaries have taken place in the district between Thursday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 27.

Braintree's Crime Prevention Officer, Stephen Armson-Smith, said there are a few measures residents can take to reduce the risk of being a burglary victim.

He said: "Burglars will prefer to gain access out of sight at the rear. Where possible fence and gate access to rear gardens with 1.8m close boarded wooden fencing, top this with some trellis or spiky toppings, which require a warning notice.

"Ensure the gate is securely locked and use some defensive planting, something like Berberus, Pyracantha or Hawthorn."

He also said residents should make sure they know how to use the multi locking system on a UPVC door, which is any door that is not metal.

He said: "Most UPVC doors as with windows use a multi locking system, make sure you know how to use it.

"When inside pulling the handle up will engage all the locks but in some cases will only lock the centre lock, to lock all the mechanisms in place you must use the key."

He advised residents should make sure their home appears occupied even when they are out.

He said: "A burglar is more than likely to only see your home in one moment in time. Simple things like lights on timers and “Fake TV” for the evenings, you can now even get a timer that fits over your light switches.

"During the day leave a radio on, boots outside the back door, vacuum cleaner out with the lead going out of sight, newspaper over the arm of the chair with a drink on the table and a pair of spectacles, the list goes on."

Anyone with information regarding burglaries in Braintree should contact Braintree Police station on 101.

For further crime prevention advice contact officer Armson-Smith using 101 then extension 407110 or email Stephen.armson-smith@essex.pnn.police.uk.