A NEW wave of burglaries across the district has led to police urging householders to secure their properties.

Houses in Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell and Epping were all targeted by burglars yesterday (November 25).

The first incident occurred at 5am at Chestnut Avenue, Buckhurst Hill, when two men removed a glass panel from a ground floor window.

They were spotted by a member of the public who called the police. Nothing was stolen, and the two suspects were seen making off towards Loughton Way.

One of the men is described as white, aged 15 to 25, 6ft, of slim build, wearing dark clothing with a beanie hat with flaps over his ears.

A further attempted burglary took place between 8am and 4pm at Forest Lane, Chigwell, where a rear window was smashed. It is believed the burglar alarm may have activated and disturbed the suspects. Again nothing was stolen.

The third burglary occurred at 7pm at Elm Close, Epping, where access was gained via an insecure front door.

The suspect, a man of slim build wearing a bobble hat, was disturbed. It is believed he may have got into a light-coloured Vauxhall Vectra heading towards Harlow. Again nothing was stolen.

Essex Police spokeswoman Denise Harvey, said: “Thankfully nothing was stolen on these occasions, but it is still very distressing knowing someone has been in your home.”

Householders are advised to leave a light on a timer switch, lock all windows and doors and leave keys out of sight.