Police are urging householders to ensure their homes are secure after the latest spate of burglaries in the Maldon area.

An Essex Police spokesman said the latest theft happened between 1.30pm and 4.30pm yesterday at a property in Lower Burnham Road, Stow Maries.

The owners were out and had left the property unlocked, and thieves helped themselves to cash, jewellery, and other items.

Officers said there had been two other burglaries in the area the previous day, this time at secure properties.

When the burglars struck at Holloway Road, Heybridge, they escaped with cameras and other equipment worth £5,000. At a break-in in Pump Lane, Purleigh, goods worth £1,500 were stolen along with £50 cash.

Officers have appealed for people to ensure their homes are locked when empty and have asked for anyone with information about the burglaries to contact police at Maldon on 01621 852255 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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