A string of burglaries across the borough yesterday has sparked a police appeal as officers urge householders to be vigilant.

The five break-ins, in Brentwood, Pilgrim’s Hatch, Shenfield and Hutton, are the latest in a spate that has seen laptops, bags, wallets and cash stolen in the last few weeks.

There have also been six burglaries where car keys have been stolen and vehicles driven away.

Crooks took cash and jewellery after smashing a window and forcing open a front door in Coxtie Green Road, Pilgrims Hatch, yesterday between 11am and 6pm.

Between 4.30pm and 6.45pm, more jewellery was taken from a house in Hawthorn Avenue, Brentwood.

A flat in St Stephen’s Crescent, Brentwood, was broken into between 7.25am and 6.20pm through the front door, although nothing was stolen, and housebreak victims in Colet Road, Hutton, and Shenfield Road, Shenfield, are still checking their properties for missing items.

Finally, two bicycles and a quantity of jewellery were taken between October 21 and the early hours of today after a break-in through the back door at Pondfield Lane, Brentwood.

Suspects have been seen following two of the vehicle thefts.

One was a burglary in Vine Way, Brentwood, at about 2.40am on Wednesday, September 11, when the front door was forced and the keys to a blue Audi A4 were stolen.

A white man aged 41 to 60 of medium build was then seen getting into the car and driving off. He is 5ft 8ins to 6ft tall and has short, grey hair.

And at 3.25am on Sunday, September 15, a slim man man in black clothing was seen trying to get into a house in Lorne Road, Warley, through the front door.

The suspect, aged 30 to 40, was disturbed by his victim and fled empty-handed.

Acting Insp Scott Kingsnorth said: “I would strongly urge people to review the security on their homes given these recent burglaries.

“Consider getting an alarm, buy decent locks, and make sure you always double lock your door when going out.

“It’s also advisable to leave a radio or light on to make your house look like it’s occupied.

“My officers will be conducting patrols in the area and we want to hear from anyone who notices any suspicious activity – no matter how insignificant it may seem at the time.

“It could prevent your neighbour from being burgled.”

Call police on 101 if you have information, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you have been the victim of a burglary and would like to tell your story, call the news desk on 020 8477 3903 or e-mail ramzy.alwakeel@archant.co.uk.