Police have warned villagers in Sible Hedingham to check their home security after burglars hit two homes in two days and stole their victim’s cars.

The first incident took place in Alexandra Road overnight on January 16.

Burglars broke in through the garage door and took a white Mercedes E220 which was later recovered in Colchester.

The next night homeowners in Oxford Meadow returned home at 11pm to find their house had been ransacked.

Thieves forced open a rear window and took various items, including jewellery and the keys to a black Toyota Aygo, which was then stolen and later found in Witham.

Neighbour Jonny Gooderham, 42, said the mini crimewave came as a surprise to villagers.

He said: “I think because they were so close together it has opened people’s eyes.

“The police came round on Sunday morning saying make sure you lock your doors, I think they were quite surprised themselves."