Police have warned residents in Hullbridge to be extra vigilant after two houses were burgled.

A handbag containing credit cards and £80 cash was stolen from a house in Ferry Road, Hullbridge.

The empty handbag was found in a neighbouring road.

A spokesman for Rayleigh police said: "The patio door had been left open during the night and the burglar may have sneaked in while they were asleep.

"The residents of the house heard something during the night but thought it had been neighbours."

On the same night another house in Hullbridge, in Alfreda Avenue, was targeted by burglars.

The owners had left a back door unlocked and woke up to find a handbag had been stolen.

The police spokesman added: "It is possible these two burglaries are connected. Residents should be extra vigilant."

Published Monday, August 4, 2003

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