Basildon detectives want to speak with four men in connection to burglaries in the Basildon and Southend areas.

They have made 12 arrests on suspicion of house burglaries in the past 10 days already as part of a new crackdown on the crime.

Essex Police have initiated a crackdown, codenamed Operation Cuba to target the most known offenders in the area.

They are urging residents to keep a watchful eye on home security as they continue to battle a spate of burglaries that have been happening in Basildon Borough the last few months.

108 homes have been targeted by burglars in the past month as well as the same number in June.

15 incidents have happened in the Pitsea area this past month alone.

Det Chief Insp Neil Pudney of Basildon police said: “We understand that residents will be concerned by the spike in burglaries that we have seen across Basildon.

“One victim of burglary is one too many. The effects of this crime cannot be underestimated, with many victims left frightened to be in their own home. But we are not taking this lightly and, under Operation Cuba, have detectives and specialist teams working around the clock to target the offenders responsible.”

The operation has been supported by uniformed officers from local and community policing teams in Basildon as well as Essex Police’s Operational Support Group who are carrying out extra patrols in the most affected parts of the Borough.

Det Chief Insp Pudney has said that there is no pattern formed between the burglaries and as a result all home owners should be ‘vigilant’.

He said: “Please keep homes locked and windows secure when you are not at home and please ensure vehicle keys are kept in a safe place.

“I would also ask the whole community to be vigilant. If you notice any suspicious behaviour in your street, please call us on 101.”

Anyone with any information about burglaries in your area contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Essex Police would like to speak with these men in connection to burglary offences:

Warren Gordon, 30 is described as black, 6ft 2ins and slim and Police want to speak to him in connection with burglaries in Southend, Westcliff and Basildon.

He has a scar on his face, the word “mum” tattooed on his neck, the word “warrior” tattooed on his left arm, and a pair of hands tattooed on his right arm.

He has links to Southend and Basildon.

Please contact Pc Michael Brimfield if you have any information.

Lewis Wright-Bailey, 19 is described as white, of average build, with black hair. He has links to the Basildon area and is man wanted in connection with a number of burglaries in Basildon.

Please contact DC Charlie Cronin if you have any information.

Gary McPherson, 35 is described as black, 6ft 2ins tall, slim with short black hair. He has links to the Pitsea area and is wanted in connection with a number of burglaries in Basildon.

Please contact Dc Ian Patterson if you have any information.