POLICE have issued safety advice following a spate of burglaries in the district.

Six burglaries took place overnight in Burnham on Thursday, May 16 and Friday, May 17.

Addresses in Hester Place, Albert Road, Station Road, Winstree Road, and Wick Road were targeted and Essex police are investigating whether they are linked.

In all cases the burglars have gained entry through insecure doors or doors which have not been double locked.

Police are urging residents to ensure they’re doing everything they can to protect themselves.

Detective Inspector Kelly Thurston, from Chelmsford CID, said: “Burglary is an awful crime to experience and about one in 10 burglaries are committed through a door or window that’s been left insecure.

“There are some really simple steps you can take to help prevent you from becoming a victim of crime.

“Please make sure you’ve locked all windows, particularly overnight, and you double lock all doors.

“Keep keys out of sight of doors and windows and out of reach but easily accessible in case you need them in an emergency.

“Also try to keep items like handbags, purses and wallets out of sight of windows and out of reach of your doors.

“Whenever there are a number of burglaries which take place in a certain area I appreciate it’s likely to cause concern but I don’t want people to be alarmed.

"Instead please ensure you’re taking steps to protect yourself.

“I will also be putting extra resources in the affected areas of Burnham and South Woodham Ferrers tonight following these incidents.

“I also need anyone who has any information, CCTV, dash cam or Ring doorbell footage to contact my team.”

Members of the public with any information about these incidents are asked to call Chelmsford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For details on home security, visit www.essex.police.uk/advice/home-security.