Police are urging residents in Saffron Walden to be on alert after two houses were broken into while the occupants slept.

In one of the break-ins, the thieves forced the front door to get into a house in Railey Road. They then stole the keys for a red Ford Fiesta and a white Audi A3 S-Line, index MJ12 UUA, before taking the cars from outside.

A men’s Rotary watch with a brown strap and a set of golf clubs were also taken, along with clothing.

The Fiesta was subsequently found abandoned at Chickney after being crashed into a hedge. It has since been recovered for forensic examination. The burglary was believed to have taken place between 3.30am and 7.30am last Friday (September 5).

Thieves got into the other house, in Peal Road, by climbing over a wooden gate to get into the back garden before entering through an insecure rear door. They took the keys for a Mitsubishi Warrior but on this occasion were unsuccessful in stealing the car.

The break-in occurred between 11pm on Thursday, September 4 and 5am the next day.

Investigating officer, DC Nick Campbell, of Braintree CID, said: “Having dealt with both families involved, they are understandably upset and very shaken that their homes have been burgled whilst they were asleep upstairs with their children.

“Burglary is a heinous crime and a top priority for Essex Police and by working hard with the public I am confident we will continue to bring offenders to justice and discourage burglars from targeting our areas.”

He added: “Investigations are continuing to try and identify the people responsible for these burglaries.

“These thieves are always on the look out for easy ways to get into people’s homes and I would urge householders to make sure you lock all doors and windows as part of your routine before going to bed.

“We have been very successful in the last year in driving burglary down across the county and placing some prolific burglars behind bars and I am keen for that to continue.

“If anyone saw any suspicious activity in Saffron Walden at the relevant times I would urge them to get in touch.

“I would also ask them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unusual activity in their neighbourhoods which they suspect could be the precursor to a burglary.”

Anyone with information has been asked to call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.