A spate of burglaries have struck several neighbourhoods on the same day.

Two burglaries and seven attempted burglaries happened in Wickford today.

Officers received reports between 2.30am and 3.40am from people reporting loud noises coming from the front doors of their homes. In two occasions the suspects have managed to get into properties, stealing a Mercedes in one incident.

Burglaries struck at homes on Pleshy Close, Langenhoe, Doeshill Drive, Carlyle Gardens, Foxhatch, Pebmarsh Drive, Broad Oaks, Fourth Avenue and Longfield.

Police also received a report of three men people acting suspiciously in Cedar Avenue at around 4am. Officers attended the scene but were unable to locate the suspects.

Investigating officer Dc Rachel Mitchell, of Basildon CID, said: “We believe that men driving a white vehicle have attempted to gain entry into a number of properties near to each other. In two occasions they have managed to force entry to homes and in one case have stolen a high value vehicle.

"We have since carried out house to house enquiries and have increased patrols in the area.

“We would like to hear from anyone who noticed anything suspicious between 2am and 5am to get in contact with us.

"We’d also like to hear from anyone who has dash cam footage from around those times or CCTV to call Basildon CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”