Essex police are warning people in rural areas to be on their guard after a spate of burglaries in the past week.

The police believe thieves are targeting homes with antiques after a home in Stock and one in Danbury were ransacked.

The thieves got away with jewellery and other antique worth thousands of pounds and the police said someone is likely to be circulating in the area.

Essex Police's crime reduction officer Kathy Payne said: "These burglaries are different to what we usually deal with and we are warning people they should be aware someone is working in the area."

Anyone who has any information about the burglaries should contact Essex Police on 01245 491491 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

Published Thursday, March 14, 2002