HOMEOWNERS are being warned to be on the look-out for burglars and secure their properties following a recent spate in the run-up to Christmas.

Thieves forced their way into two homes in Dovercourt on Friday, December 21.

A computer tablet was stolen from the lounge of a house in Briardale Avenue soon after 3pm when crooks forced their way through the front uPVC door.

Raiders left empty handed when they entered a house in Kings Road through an open back door at around 4.30pm. Moments earlier they failed to break open the uPVC front door.

Four burglaries also happened in Clacton and Holland-on-Sea between Monday, December 17 and Sunday December 23.

Investigating officer, Dc Lee Winfield, said: "The Harwich burglaries are most likely linked and committed by the same individuals. In the matter of a few days, these areas were hit hard by burglars. We need to stop this trend, but do the need the public’s help.

“If people are seen acting suspiciously or television sets being sold in the street in odd circumstances, then they should contact us immediately on 999.

“We will continue with our high-visibility patrols in a bid to deter these criminals, but we can’t be everywhere all of the time. We need the eyes of the public to help us catch these people and stop burglaries.”

Anyone with information should call Clacton police station on 101 or Crimestopppers on 0800 555111.