COPS are set to increase patrols after a series of break-ins in Colchester.

Advice has been issued to residents in the Riverside Estate, near to East Hill, after four homes were targeted by crooks in the last month in broad daylight, while the occupants have been at work.

Sgt Jon Butcher, of Essex Police, said: “We are of course going to increase our patrols in the area.

“The homes have been entered from the rear either through unlocked doors or a door has been forced.”

Sgt Butcher also said the thieves have targeted small, valuable items such as jewellery.

He added: “I would urge all residents to make sure their homes are secure, especially coming into the spring and summer months when windows will be open which haven’t been for more than six months.

“We have had some success in tackling burglaries not just in Colchester but also in Essex and we have seen a some prolific offenders taken out of the equation.”