POLICE are warning people to be vigilant after five houses on a Laindon estate were burgled in one night.

Four houses in Somercotes on the Five Links Estate and one house in Elizabeth Way nearby were broken into by thieves forcing open uPVC doors.

Thousands of pounds worth of electrical goods and cash were stolen and police are urging residents to check they have locked their front door correctly before they go to bed.

Police are stepping up patrols in the area as a result of the break-ins.

Sgt Kate Ammon, from Basildon neighbourhood policing team, said: “We had a series of burglaries in the area on Saturday.

“We have to set up a number of additional high-visibility patrols.

“We urge any residents who see anyone acting suspiciously in the area to contact us on 101. If you see a crime in progress, ring 999.”

The first Somercotes burglary happened between 11pm on May 2 and 9.30am on May 3.

Thieves broke in while the victim was asleep in bed and stole a Mulberry rucksack, £70 cash, two Kindles, an iPhone 4s and various bookmarks.

The second burglary happened between 11.30pm on May 2 and 8am on May 4.

The burglars took car keys, which they used to steal a BMW 3 Series off the drive.

The third Somercotes burglary happened between 2am and 9.50am on May 3.

The thieves took a woman’s handbag.

The final burglary happened in Elizabeth Way between 10am and 10.30pm on May 2.

Thieves took various items, including an XBox 360, games, a tablet computer, a BMX bike and a pink laptop computer.

Pat O’Connor, from the Five Links Residents’ Association, said: “It is a concern on the estate, especially for people who live on the ends with the big gardens because it is so easy for thieves to get in.

“We don’t see a lot of police on the estate, but I don’t blame them.

They keep having their numbers cut.

“I don’t go out on my own at night because it just does not feel safe.”

Police have also warned residents to be vigilant following two burglaries in the same area of Billericay.

The first happened in Northfield Close on April 6 when burglars broke in and ransacked the house. The second incident was in Rosslyn Road on April 15.

Homeowners disturbed two men trying to break in through the back door.