CLUMSY burglars broke into a family home and dropped an iPad right outside the house as they fled the scene.

The homeowner, who asked to remain anonymous, was woken by the fumbling group who had broken into her home in Warrington Square, Billericay, after they popped the front door open with a crowbar.

Despite being disturbed after only being inside for a few minutes, it’s estimated they got away with more than £1,000 of valuables.

The 28-year-old victim said: “It was about 3.22am when I heard a loud banging noise downstairs, so I immediately woke my partner up, worried that someone was in the house. We could hear some sort of commotion, so we went downstairs to see what was happening.

“We must’ve scared them off because we couldn’t see anyone there or anything missing, but the front door was open. We were so disorientated that we thought it was just our imagination and that the wind had blown it open, so we just shut it. We soon realised what had happened and went into sheer panic.

“It wasn’t executed very well, as they’d dropped the bag with our iPad in right outside our front door.”

The woman added: “The most frightening thing was watching the CCTV back and seeing that four were involved. One had went to the door to check the coast was clear, holding his arm up to hide his face, whilst the others waited in the silver BMW 3 Series.

“Three of them came in and must’ve just grabbed what was in plain sight, taking things including Alexander McQueen trainers, a diamond necklace, a wallet, Airpods, a coat and they were gone by 3.30am. It was a matter of minutes.”

The family believe this may have been a targeted incident.

The woman added: “By the looks of the CCTV, it was just our home that was targeted. As a mother of a four year old it was very scary for me, I’ve been having nightmares since. One was even wearing a balaclava so they must’ve known there were cameras.”

A spokesperson from Essex Police confirmed an investigation has been launched after the burglary on Thursday.

Call Essex Police on 101 quoting crime reference 42/16306/20.

said: “We were called at around 11.30am on January 30 about a burglary at an address in Warrington Square, Billericay. We received information that a man heard a noise at around 3.30am before awakening at around 6am to find his front door open.

“Anyone with information can call 101 quoting crime reference 42/16306/20.”