Criminals have been forcing open and smashing doors, prising open locks and climbing through open windows in a wave of burglaries.

There have been at least 20 break-ins in Loughton, Chigwell and Buckhurst Hill since the end of October.

Essex Police is urging people to “keep their eyes open” and report any suspicious activity.

Detective sergeant Charlotte Armitage said: “We are also asking for members of the public to take steps to prevent these types of crime, by ensuring doors and windows are properly locked and ensuring uPVC doors are double locked.

“Using timers to turn on lights when it gets dark also helps to make your house look occupied.”

The force said it has deployed uniformed and plain clothes officers to the affected areas at peak times and will continue to do this.

Officers are conducting “high visibility” patrols in the areas.

Anyone with any information should contact Essex Police on 101 or online at https://www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online/.