RESIDENTS in Uttlesford are being urged to review their security following a spate of burglaries.

The advice comes on the back of two burglaries in Stansted this week:

• Between 3.30pm and 9pm on January 12 a property in Wetherfield was broken into. The suspects forced the front door and made off with jewellery valued at �150.

• Between 2am and 3am on January 13 burglars gained entry to a property in Spencer Close by forcing the front door, and stole a handbag containing card and documents with an estimated total value of �60.

Anyone with information about these crimes should contact the CID Target team at Braintree on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Crime reduction adviser for the district Peter Caulfield said that dwelling burglaries are usually confined to daytime when the houses are unoccupied, but that this latest trend has been overnight.

“Residents should not panic over their security as the risk is still small, but I would advise that they take this opportunity to review it,” he said.

“Most burglars will try to break in to the building from the rear, so preventing access is your first line of defence.

“Ensure that your boundaries are secure. Consider fitting a low-profile spiky topping to walls and fences - move side gates to your front building line and ensure they are locked.”

Mr Caulfield also advises that residents must ensure that their front and back doors are secure and key-locked where possible.

He added: “Professionally fitted intruder alarms are also a worthwhile consideration, because they allow you to alarm the downstairs whilst you sleep soundly upstairs.

“It is also possible to purchase door handle alarms from Uttlesford Neighbourhood Watch. These inexpensive devices simply hang on the inside door handle, and will activate the moment somebody touches the handle from outside.”

District commander for the Uttlesford District, Chief Insp Alyson Wilson said: “I would like to reassure all members of the community that the police are continuing actively to seek those responsible for the burglaries in our area but would urge that you take all steps to protect your property as advised.

“Please do not hesitate to call in any activity you see which is out of the ordinary for your neighbourhood. You will not be wasting our time but could be adding to a bigger picture.

“A prompt call means we are more likely to be able to investigate more thoroughly.”

If you require any further information about spiky toppings, general home security or intruder alarms, contact Mr Caulfield on 0300 333 4444 ext 395387

Door handle alarms can be purchased from the Neighbourhood Watch website at uttlesfordnhw.org.uk