RESIDENTS are being warned to be vigilant following nine distraction burglaries in Tendring and Colchester within two days.

Police officers received five reports of burglaries yesterday, including three in Harwich, one in Great Oakley and one in Colchester. There were also three incidents in Colchester and one in Clacton on Tuesday.

Det Sgt Kevin Cooper said: "This type of crime whereby people are targeted in their own homes is despicable.

"We are reminding members of the public to stay vigilant and to think before answering their front doors to strangers.

"We are asking that if anybody has any information, to come forward and help us with our investigations."

He added that on each occasion the suspect said he is building a fence or cutting a hedge nearby before asking to swap a £20 note for two £10 notes, following which he has followed the victim into their home and stolen cash.

The suspect is described as being in his 30s or 40s, clean shaven, and was wearing dark sports trousers with white stripes and a dirty flat cap.

Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to call Clacton or Colchester CID on 0300 333 4444.