String of Burglaries in Southend, Benfleet & Leigh

A third elderly couple have fallen victim to a burglary in south-east Essex, with police again urging people to “think home security when going to bed”.

On Thursday, January 2, homes in Benfleet and Leigh were targeted by thieves in the early hours with cash and jewellery stolen from the property in the second break-in.

The third and latest break-in happened when thieves entered a bungalow on North Crescent between 1:45-2:45am on Wednesday, January 8. The elderly homeowners awoke to find two men in their bedroom who had stolen two mobile telephones, cash and a set of car keys.

Both men, who are described as white, ran out of the property. The police helicopter was deployed and carried out a search of the surrounding area for the two men, but to no avail.

Investigating Officer, Ds Ian Howitt, said: “We ask people, young or old, to carry out a final late-night check of their property before turning in for the night. Look at your windows and doors; make sure they are closed and then securely locked, double-locking if possible. We need to cut off the supply to these burglars and also take them off the streets which is why we also need people to report any suspicious activity to us immediately.”

A forensic examination of the property was carried out as were house-to-house enquiries.

Anyone with information in connection with this or the previous two burglaries are urged to contact detectives at Southend police station on 101 Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.