Colchester residents suffered a hefty and unexpected rise in burglaries last month.
During December, there were 90 break-ins, which represents about three every single day and three times the police's target.
Part of the increase could be down to changes in the way crimes are recorded, which were brought in in April, 2002.
But Det Chief Insp Mick Jones, Colchester police crime manager, called on residents to look again at their home's security.
He said the dark winter evenings gave burglars more chances to raid people's homes and escape with their valuables unnoticed.
Mr Jones also pointed out that crime victims often find themselves targeted again within a couple of weeks of a burglary or car crime.
He said: "If you've been subjected to an offence, look at what security measures you have and improve them. Don't leave things exactly as they were."
He also asked people who suspect they have been offered stolen property to call Colchester police on 01206 762212.
Published Tuesday, January 14, 2003
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