DETECTIVES have released an e-fit image of a man they want to speak to in connection with a series of burglaries at a village in north west Essex.

Twelve break-ins and two attempted burglaries have occurred at Stansted Mountfitchet since the end of June.

Extra police patrols are being carried out day and night in the area and although the frequency of crimes has been reduced homes are still being targeted.

Officers believe the man in the e-fit picture may be working with one or more thieves who either force their way into locked properties or sneak in through open windows or patio doors while the residents are at home.

Most of the crimes have happened in the centre of the town, between Cambridge Road and High Lane. Small items such as cash, jewellery and bank cards have been the main target of thieves.

DS Becky Young, who is leading the investigation, said: “Stansted Mountfitchet is a very safe area and very few burglaries happened annually. But in the last two months there have been 14 burglaries and attempted burglaries.

“Local officers have delivered leaflets to householders giving them advice on security and extra day and night patrols are being carried out.

“The e-fit image was created with the help of one resident who confronted a burglar in her home but so far we have not been able to find out who he is. We think he might be local to the Uttlesford area because the thieves do seem to know their way around small local roads and have escaped despite officers being on scene at break-ins as quickly as three minutes.”

Anyone who can identify the man, or anyone with information about burglaries in the village, should call DS Young or her team at Braintree CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Any residents seeking advice on home security should contact the local neighbourhood officer Pc Tom Bastendorff or his team of PCSOs on 101 or the team’s mobile telephone 07989 174801.

Home Security Advice

• Mark or etch your property with your postcode, house or flat number or the first three letters of your house name.

• Do not leave your car keys or ID documents near doors, letterbox or windows.

• Always check who is at the door and do not open it if you feel anxious.

• Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes.

• Keep your valuables out of sight.

• Leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home.

• Install a visible burglar alarm.

• Always keep sheds and outbuildings locked.

• Cancel milk or other deliveries if you will be away for days or weeks at a time