POLICE are warning householders in the Rochford district to be extra-careful after a sharp increase in burglaries in the area.

Mobile phones, hi-tech gadgets and jewellery of sentimental value are among the iteams reported missing in raids on local homes in the past few days.

Emma Clark, the district’s crime prevention adviser said: “Burglaries in the area are on the rise and we are asking householders to look at their home security – burglars love it when youmake their job easier for them.

“Being burgled has a lasting effect on the victims. It not only knocks their confidence but what we are finding is the items include phones, tablets and other technology that runs our day-to-day lives.

“People should ensure access to the rear of properties is difficult.”

Ms Clark said householders should consider blocking access to back gardens, using a gate with a mortice lock or closed-shackle padlock. Prickly bushes such as hawthorn could also be planted to make fences taller and harder to climb Crime prevention advice is being passed out to the community via the district’s fast-growing Neighbourhood Watch network, which now has 7,500 members and 180 co-ordinators.

Chief Insp Lesley Ford, the district’s most senior officer, said: “We cannot stress the importance of ensuring your windows and doors are secured correctly and the keys are out of sight.”

RECENT LOCAL BURGLARIES

- Mobile phones and foreign currency stolen by burglars who raided a house in Ashingdon Road, Rochford, between December 11 and Tuesday of this week

- A back door forced at Sudeley Gardens, Hockley, and cash taken from a locked safe on Monday between 10.45am and 9.15pm

- A garage door forced to gain access to a house in Barling Road, Barling, overnight between Sunday and Monday. Police have yet to establish what, if anything, was taken.