DETECTIVES are appealing for information and witnesses after three house burglaries in Saffron Walden.

The incidents took place overnight on December 3 and 4:

• Between 3.40am and 8.50am on December 4, suspects gained entry to a property in Winstanley Road by pushing an unknown implement through the letter box to open the front door from inside. Nothing was stolen, but the suspects left the front door open.

• Between 10.45pm on December 3 and 7am on December 4, suspects gained entry to a property in Clay Pit Piece by forcing a uPVC, and stole a camera and the keys to a car. They then used the keys to steal and drive away in a grey Skoda Fabia, index EX08AXK. The estimated total value of the stolen property is around �10,300.

• Between 5.30pm on December 3 and 7.30am on December 4, burglars gained entry to a property in Pleasant Valley by using an unknown implement to force a uPVC door, and stole electrical equipment including a satellite navigation system, and a set of keys. They then used the keys to steal a blue Suzuki SX4, index BT06YHC. The estimated total value of the stolen property is around �5250.

Police have issued advice to other residents to help keep their properties safer.

“There are a few simple steps that people can take to make themselves even safer,” DCI Mark Wheeler.

“It’s good to ensure that you keep your keys somewhere safe and out of sight. In addition, do not leave cash, bags and wallets lying around. Please keep all accessible doors and window closed and locked.

“If you have uPVC doors, please ensure that you lock the door with the key - just pulling up the handle does not deadlock the door.

“If you have a garage, please try to lock your vehicle away safely inside it.”

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information about these crimes to contact CID at Braintree on 0300 3334444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.