Police were today claiming victory in the battle against burglars after achieving a 20 per cent reduction in the past four months.

Officers conducted a number of initiatives in Thurrock area in an effort to reduce the problem and are delighted with the results.

In the first four months of the year, there were 845 burglaries in the area, but following police campaigns that number fell to 705 in the next period.

The reduction is consistent throughout the division with Grays Central down from 192 to 151, South Ockendon from 182 to 166, Tilbury from 188 to 155 and Corringham from 133 to 129.

The results follow a successful postal campaign were 1,150 residents were sent letters informing them that a street warden or police officer had seen their window or door open - making them vulnerable to burglary.

Victims of crime were also assisted by the issuing of a burglary pack which gave them the chance to assess police performance, prevention advice and an ultraviolet property marking pen.

Vicki Watson, of Thurrock Police, said: "The number of calls being received by the police is significantly lower than this time last year.

"But I would like to stress that that no geographical pattern has been found and that we need the public to help us keep the numbers in the area at an all time low."