MORE police investigations are underway following another string of burglaries while victims slept upstairs.

Overnight on Sunday, June, 5, three houses in Halstead were broken into.

Two were in Ravens Avenue and one was in Johnston Close.

In Johnston Close thieves broke in through an insecure front door, before opening two internal doors and taking a handbag and its contents from near the front door.

At Ravens Avenue thieves broke in through a UPVC door which was unsecured and searched the house.

Various items were stolen while the victim was asleep upstairs.

During the second burglary they ransacked downstairs cupboards and took a handbag with a purse inside.

One resident, Wayne Shepherd, 46, of Ravens Avenue, has added extra se- curity to his home.

He said: “This is the first time we have heard of this many burglaries in this area.

“I work from home but I’m starting a new job next week so I will be working away and without a police station or any way of getting help if you hear someone trying to get in your house.

“I have two girls at home and my wife so it’s worrying and I’ve added extra security now.

“I would happily pay an extra £40 or £50 a year to see more police officers.”

A retired couple in their 70s, who asked to remain anonymous, described the burglaries as a “sad fact of life”.

They said: “When we moved here one of the reasons was because it’s quite a friendly, quiet town.

“We felt it’s quite a relaxed, pleasant area and the burglaries came as quite a shock.

“Our neighbours were disturbed by it because they have dogs.

“I have had someone out to check our security and it looks like someone has tried to use a screwdriver.

“I think they were opportunists and it leaves a nasty taste in your mouth.

“You used to hear about this happening in the day during the school runs when people were watching the house, but it’s the fact that they go in when people are sleeping upstairs.”

The couple feel the burglaries are linked to the streetlights being put out and would pay extra council tax to keep them left on.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Thieves broke in to the properties overnight.

“A number of items, including cash and bank cards were stolen.”

Call Colchester CID on 101 with information.