Police are investigating a spate of burglaries in Halstead that took place overnight on May 18 or in the early hours of May 19.

Burglars stole two Canon cameras and some money from an address in Mitchell Avenue sometime between 11.30pm on May 18 and 6.25am the next day.

Jewellery and some cash were stolen from a home in Stanstead Road sometime between 8.45pm on May 18 and 7am the next day.

A wallet and handbag were stolen from a home in Abels Road sometime between 11pm on May 18 and 6.20am the next day.

A cream and black Prada handbag and purse were stolen from a home in Warren Road sometime between 10.30pm on May 18 and 9.30am the next day. Suspects also entered a Volkswagen Touareg but nothing was taken.

Burglars entered a home in Trinity Road sometime between 12.30am and 9.45am on May 19. Nothing was stolen.

A purse, Apple iPhone and iPod were stolen from an address in Warren Road between 10pm on May 18 and 7.30am on May 19.

Two mobile phones and a wallet were stolen from a home in Mitchell Avenue sometime between 11pm on May 18 and 6am on May 19.

A purse, an Apple iPhone 5 and a Kindle were stolen from a property in Ronald Road sometime between 11.30pm on May 18 and 6.30am on May 19.

Enquiries are ongoing and witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Braintree CID on 101.

Police are continuing their work to tackle burglaries in the Braintree district including targeting suspected offenders, carrying out extra patrols in higher risk areas and visiting householders in close proximity to burgled houses to offer advice and reassurance.

Homeowners can take some simple steps to help protect their homes against burglars.

They are urged to ensure doors and windows are fully locked, and in the case of uPVC doors, to lift the handles and use a key to make sure they are secure.

Valuables and car keys should be kept out of sight, and homeowners can also consider fitting security lights and burglar alarms.

Residents can find more crime prevention advice at essex.police.uk/be_safe/burglary.aspx or can contact their local crime prevention tactical advisor on 101.