A BURGLAR who started her crime spree aged just 11 has admitted spending her summer holidays raiding homes.

The girl, who cannot be named because of her age, targeted three homes in a 12-day period stealing items including a knife.

Echo:

Judgement - the girl was sentenced at Basildon Magistrates' Court

And the callous crook even celebrated her birthday by breaking into another home.

They all took place close to where she lives and around Southend town centre.

She appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court, which was sitting as the South Essex Youth Court, earlier this month and admitted three counts of burglary.

Despite the seriousness of the crimes and because of her young age she was only sentenced to a six month contract with the Southend youth offender panel.

It means her sentence will consist of working with agencies to try and stop her committing more crimes.

Her mother was also punished.

First she was ordered to attend the meetings throughout the six months.

Her mother must pay £250 compensation to the first victim and £40 to the third victim in £20 instalments.

On August 4, 2018, the girl broke into a house in the Grove, Southend, where she stole jewellery, electrical goods and a sum of cash.

On August 7, she targeted a home in South Avenue, where she again stole an unknown amount of cash.

At some point between July 30 and August 10 she broke into a home in Trinity Road where she stole a knife, jewellery and a rail card.

The girl was arrested in October last year as part of a joint operation between four police forces targetting burglars, thieves and robbers.

Essex Police, the City of London police, the British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police Service executed a number warrants across the county.

Speaking about the operation at the time, Chief Supt Andy Mariner said: “We understand the impact these crimes have on victims not only in the immediate aftermath, but for months and sometimes, years after too.

“This shows just how important it is that we find those responsible for these crimes and hold them accountable for their actions.”

It is hoped the sentence will stop her committing more crimes.