Homes have been damaged and power tools stolen in a spate of overnight burglaries in Benfleet.

Essex Police say they have received reports of a number of burglaries in the area between Saturday (January 23) and Sunday (January 24).

Properties in Thundersley Grove and Drake Close have been targeted, with power tools and other items being stolen.

All the properties are undergoing renovation and were empty at the time. 

And some damage was also caused gaining access to the properties.

It comes as another property in Fernwood was empty between January 16 and Sunday (January 24) and was also targeted with power tools being stolen.

The force have now also issued advice for those working on a property that will be left vacant overnight.

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A spokesperson from Essex Police, said: "If you saw anything suspicious or have CCTV / dash cam footage of anyone acting suspiciously in these areas, please contact DS Jenna McQueen at Castle Point and Rochford CID on 101.

"You can also provide information via our website, ‘livechat’ or by clicking on the email link on this page. To report anonymously you can report by visiting the Crimestoppers website https://crimestoppers-uk.org or calling 0800 555 111."

Their advice

  • If you are working on a property that will be left vacant overnight, please take your tools home or store them in a secure locked location, out of sight.
  • Consider marking them with your initials or postcode, for items with a serial number record them on a property register such as www.immobilise.com.
  • If you are working on a property and suspect that someone is loitering around or watching your activity, let us know on 101 (999 in an emergency).
  • Also consider investing in external lighting, a motion detection alarm and CCTV system if not fitted, these are proven to be deterrents against burglars.

For more information on how you can secure your property, please visit their website www.essex.police.uk/secure