A SPATE of thefts and burglaries has led police to crack down on crooks travelling from London to target the Epping Forest District.

They have increased night and day patrols in response to a recent rash of car thefts and burglaries in the past two weeks.

On January 15 a 16 year-old-youth from Dagenham was arrested at Stanford Rivers in connection with a burglary in Ongar in which a car was stolen. He has been bailed until March 2 pending further enquiries.

A 59-year-old man from Romford and a 33-year-old man from the Navestock area, were arrested and charged with attempted theft and going equipped to steal after an incident at Ongar Leisure Centre car park at 11pm on Friday January 16. They were bailed to appear at Harlow magistrates’ court on January 28.

The extra sweeps will cover Abridge, Ongar, Epping, Waltham Abbey and surrounding villages and involve officers from Essex Automatic Number plate recognition (ANPR) team.

They will be performing checks on residential areas and car parks.

Acting Inspector Tom Simons, based at Epping police station, said: “We believe that criminals are travelling from London to target quiet towns and villages around Epping Forest district.

“There has been an increase in burglaries in which thieves take cars after breaking into homes to find the key and were are having more thefts of items from parked vehicles. By keeping watch on routes into the district and increasing patrols around towns and villages we aim to reduce these crimes and put the criminals behind bars.”

He added: “I would urge everyone in the area to be vigilant about home security and make sure doors and windows are locked and car keys are hidden from view. Do not leave them on tables or hooks beside the front door.”

he appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Police.