PATROLS of the Dengie will be increased in a bid to deter criminals after a spate of burglaries across the area.

Essex Police is continuing to investigate a number of break-ins at comercial properties across the rural villages.

Last week three businesses - two pubs and a butchers - were hit by crooks.

Essex Police has not confirmed if it is treating any of the incidents last Thursday as being linked.

Anyone with information which may help the investigation has been urged to come forward.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Officers are continuing to investigate commercial burglaries in the Dengie area throughout October.

“We would encourage anyone with information to contact us and local officers will be looking to increase patrols in the area to deter these types of crime in the future.”

Contact officers by calling police on 101.