POLICE officers will continue attending every home burglary in Essex amid a renewed pledge from the county’s chief constable.

Ben-Julian Harrington, chief constable of Essex Police, said tackling burglary remains an “enormous priority” for the force.

It comes as the National Police Chiefs’ Council announced that every police force in the country will be told to attend all home burglaries.

Essex Police was already leading the way with its own commitment to do so and Mr Harrington said he is pleased to confirm it will continue.

Gazette: Pledge - Chief Constable of Essex Police Ben-Julian HarringtonPledge - Chief Constable of Essex Police Ben-Julian Harrington (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “When someone invades your home, the place you live and that is safe to you, attendance is really important.

“We will come to burglaries where people’s homes have been raided.

“Sometimes people won’t want us there but that is our commitment to the people of Essex.”

A total of 9,200 burglaries were recorded by Essex Police in 2018, with the reports down to about 5,000 in 2022.

Gazette: Break in - about 5,000 burglaries were recorded by Essex Police last yearBreak in - about 5,000 burglaries were recorded by Essex Police last year (Image: Newsquest)

But Mr Harrington urged residents to take steps to reduce opportunities for burglars amid an increase of reports in recent weeks.

“We have seen a recent rise lately and in summer we do tend to see a rise as more people are out and windows are left open, so there is an opportunity there for burglary,” he added.

“Make sure the key is not left under the flower pot, we need to be thinking how we can keep ourselves safe.”

The chief constable said crime scene investigators will look for DNA, blood and fingerprints at raided homes, as well as analysing cell site data.

Gazette: Commitment - Essex Police officers will attend every home burglaryCommitment - Essex Police officers will attend every home burglary (Image: Newsquest)

Criminals released from prison on licence will also be checked to see if they were near the area at the time.

Mr Harrington added: “We recognise how invasive it is and how it is a real violation of privacy.

“Where there is a suspect there or nearby you will get a blue light response. We also do a lot of work if there is a car index number.

“We need to do more but there is a commitment to the people of Essex.”