Residents have been warned by police to be on the alert for burglars responsible for a spate of daytime break-ins over the past few weeks.

Pitsea detectives believe the burglars have broken into at least 14 homes in the last week alone in the Chalvedon and Felmores areas of the town and got away with cash and expensive electrical goods.

Residents have been told to keep an eye out for anyone acting suspiciously and make every effort to make their homes look occupied to deter the crooks who have stolen goods worth thousands of pounds.

Residents have been warned to take particular care when they go away on their summer holidays.

PC Diane Capon, community liaison officer at Pitsea police station, said: "Residents should have a talk station playing on their radio when they are not in and have their lights on a timer so it looks like people are in the house."

Anyone with information about the burglaries should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Pitsea CID on 01268 584212.

Residents interested in protecting their property with ultraviolet marking should contact Basildon's Crime Prevention Officer on 01268 532212.

Published Wednesday, June 11, 2003

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