Police are warning residents to be wary after a “sudden surge” in burglaries in Woodford.

Figures show that last week there were four vehicles stolen and one theft of valuables from a vehicle in the Bridge ward, which covers parts of Woodford Green and Woodford Bridge.

The four thefts of vehicles took place in Roding Lane North, Milkwell gardens, The Green and Brackley Square.

The theft of valuables from a vehicle took place in Snakes Lane East.

And in an email send to residents in the Bridge ward by the safer neighbourhoods team, a warning was issued after an increase in burglaries in the neighbouring Woodford Green ward of Monkhams on Friday and Saturday.

It said: “We want to notify you quickly if there has been a sudden surge in crime in this area.

“We are giving an ‘early warning’ that we have had a sudden increase in burglaries and attempted burglaries in the Monkhams ward, which is a neighbouring ward with Bridge, over the past couple of days.

“The roads targeted so far are Forest Way, Frating Crescent, Tamar Square, The Green and Higham Road.

“Various methods of entry were attempted.

“Please when you go to bed ensure all windows and doors are securely locked and any side gates securely bolted if you have an alarm to ensure you activate it when leaving the property.

“If you see anything or anyone suspicious please call 101 immediately.”