POLICE are urging residents of villages across Uttlesford to join the fight against burglary and report any suspicious behaviour or vehicles to officers.

That follows a number of burglaries - probably by “travelling burglars” - in the area.

Superintendent Steve Robinson said: “We made our first appeal for vigilance at the end of August.

“Despite the best efforts of Essex Police and local people, there have been four further house burglaries in the Uttlesford villages since then, occurring in Wendens Ambo, Quendon, Newport and Howlett End.

“Essex Police continues to believe that the criminals committing these burglaries are probably travelling in to Uttlesford from outside the area.

“The residents living in these villages belong to strong and supportive communities, and they are likely to notice strangers using vehicles not commonly seen in the village streets.

“If you see a stranger or strangers acting suspiciously in your village, please consider politely asking them if they need any help or even, in a non-confrontational way, challenging them. If they are up to no good, they will more than likely make their excuses and leave the area.”

Supt Robinson also urges anyone seeing a vehicle not known locally, and being driven in a suspicious fashion, to make a note of the model and index number and contact Essex Police.

Another highly effective way for local communities to help stamp out rural crime is to support and join Neighbourhood Watch schemes. If your village does not currently benefit from a Neighbourhood Watch or you would like details of your local group, contact crime reduction adviser Peter Caulfield or Essex Watch administrator Lindsay Baillie on 0300 3334444.

If you have any information about “travelling burglars” in Uttlesford, contact officers at Saffron Walden or Dunmow on 0300 3334444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Details of the four village burglaries are as follows.

• Between 11.55am and 2.10pm on September 7, suspects gained entry to a property in Cambridge Road, Quendon, by forcing a window, causing an estimated �100 of damage. They then stole cash and alcohol with an estimated total value of around �235.

• Between 10.40am and 5.40pm on September 21, suspects gained entry to a property in Duck Street, Wendens Ambo. They stole jewellery with an estimated value of around �2000.

• Between 2.30pm and 3.05pm on September 27, suspects gained entry to a property in Bridge End, Newport, by forcing a door, causing an estimated �250 of damage, and stole cash with an estimated value of around �90.

• Between 5.45am and 3.45pm on October 1, suspects gained entry to a property in Howlett End, Wimbish, by forcing a window, and stole electrical equipment and cash, with an estimated total value of around �580.