POLICE are urging people to make sure their homes are locked up securely at night following a spate of break-ins.

In the past two weeks crooks have burgled 19 homes in Laindon and Lee Chapel, targeting laptop computers, jewellery and cash.

Millennium burglaries- where thieves break in, take car keys and then steal a vehicle off the drive- have also increased in the area.

Officers are urging people not to leave their car keys in obvious places such as by the front door, in their handbags, coat pockets or on their kitchen worktop.

Police are carrying out extra patrols in Laindon and Lee Chapel at night in a bid to catch those responsible.

However they are urging members of the public who see anyone acting suspiciously in their area to contact police immediately.

Sgt Angie Torrance, from Basildon Police Station, said: “We have seen a rise in burglaries committed on a weekday and overnight which is causing us concern.

“Our advice is, if you are going out try to make it look like someone is home- by leaving a television on or putting lights on a timer system.

“A number of burglaries have seen suspects getting in by forcing front doors.

“Make sure uPVC doors are locked properly when you go out.

“It sounds simple but we have a number of attempted break-ins where suspects have been stopped by a simple door chain.”

Thieves broke in to Victoria Road, in Laindon between 2.30am and 3.50am on March 4.

They stole £24,000 of jewellery including a Rolex watch, Cartier watch, and three rings.

The thieves caused £200 damage.

Burglars broke in to a house in Falstones, Lee Chapel between 10.30pm on March 4 and 5am on March 5.

They forced open the front door, stole the victim’s wallet, cash, credit cards, keys and a 2012 BMW 320 on a 2012 plate worth £16,000.

Thieves broke in to a house in Gladwyns, Lee Chapel between noon and 9pm on March 8.

They got in through a back door, that had been left unlocked, and stole a laptop and iPad worth £800.

Anyone with information about who is responsible for the break-ins should contact Basildon CID on 101. 

Or you can leave information anonymously with independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.