TENANTS have been warned to lock up and be alert after a gang attempted to break into four blocks of flats.
 

The crooks tried to unscrew door panels to get into the communal areas around the flats in Rotary Way and Sheepen Place, Colchester.
 

One resident reported mail being stolen after they got into communal letterboxes but none of the flats have been burgled.
 

Tracy Smith, property manager for Sapphire Property Management, said they have had problems in the past and were keen to work with police to catch the culprits.
 

“We have since made it much harder for them to try and get in so the flats are no longer targeted but we need residents to help keep the doors secure,” she said.
 

A letter sent out to hundreds of residents added: “Some residents have had the misfortune of experiencing identity fraud on the development.
 

“It appears gangs are targeting the development and forcing their way into the building either by vandalising the locks or entering via unsecured doors targeting residents’ post boxes.”
 

Residents are urged to stop using fire exit doors as short cuts and help keep the properties and communal areas safe.
 

Ms Smith added: “If you see persons’ loitering, looking suspicious in and around the building or causing damage either call us or the police.”
 

The latest break-in attempts were noticed, following damage to the panels on Wednesday, July 31.
 

Anyone with information call Colchester police on 101.