A woman caught a suspected burglar riffling through her handbag.
The incident happened at a home in Eastwood Road North, Leigh yesterday at about 3.30pm.
The man ran off empty handed.
Police received information that a man was acting suspiciously and approaching properties in Briarwood Drive, Oakwood Avenue, Leighwood Avenue and Charlfont Close between 2pm and 4pm.
The man has been described as being aged in his 40s, of an average build and had short dark receding hair.
He wore a black Puffa jacket and possibly a dark baseball cap.
A man was arrested on suspicion of burglary at around 4.40pm and he remains in custody for questioning.
Anyone with information is asked to call Southend CID on 101 quoting crime reference 42/165994/18 or report information online by visiting www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online.
Alternatively anyone with information can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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