A PAIR have been arrested for multiple offences in connection with a spate of car break ins.

In the early hours of Monday morning and around midnight on Tuesday, at least five incidents were reported in the area of Halstead surrounding Conies Road.

In most cases, reports from witnesses and victims suggest nothing was taken, however, in an incident in Conies Road at around 12.30am on Tuesday, a van was broken into with tools being stolen from the vehicle.

In another case at around 6am on September 2, a van's front window was smashed in, where a woman's purse was stolen in Three Gates Close.

Most reports state a group of suspects were seen at the time of the incidents, driving a silver Ford Mondeo.

A spokesman for Essex Police, said: "Two men have been arrested in connection with a series of reported thefts from vehicles across the county. 

"A 27-year-old man from Guildford and a 24-year-old man from Slough were arrested in Hertfordshire on Tuesday 3 September.

"It follows reports of several offences across the county, including Halstead, between Saturday 30 August and Tuesday 3 September. 

"The 27-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle and possession of cannabis.

"The 24-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle, taking a motor vehicle without consent, driving without insurance, interfering with a motor vehicle and possession of cannabis."

Halstead councillor, Gary Warren's son in law was among the victims in the long line of incidents.

Mr Warren's family member's van was broken into, leading to him losing a collections of hand tools, a saw and a grinder.

He said: "These thieves are taking away people's livelihoods in incidents such as these.

"It is quite a serious crime, it is causing a lot of distress and anguish to many families, and it is not practical to expect people to bring their tools into their homes every night."

The two suspects remain in custody for questioning.

If you have any information about the incidents, you should report them to Essex Police by calling 101.