CROOKS broke into five homes in the same area of Billericay in less than 12 hours.

The burglars stole nearly £1,000 worth of goods during the raids.

The thieves targeted a home in Foxhunter Walk, where they stole a £615 haul, including a handbag, £20 cash, a camera, sunglasses and a mobile phone. Some of the stolen goods were later found in Glencree, Billericay.

In Hollyford, thieves broke in and stole a £200 mobile phone.

Thieves also broke into two homes in Bridleway, ransacking one but stealing nothing, and taking £70 cash from the second home.

In Norsey View Drive, thieves forced a door, causing £10 damage, and stealing a £340 haul, including a bag, a phone and glasses.

Police believe the same gang may be behind the break-ins and are urging any residents with security cameras to come forward, in case they have captured the crooks on film.

Insp Richard Sage of Billericay police said: “Our Basildon CID target team are fully investigating these crimes, which we believe may have been committed by the same suspects.

“It would help our investigation if anyone with private CCTV in the area would contact us, as their CCTV may show the suspects in the area, and this could hold vital clues to our investigation.

“Every single burglary has seen the door forced by the suspect, this is not easily done if you have a uPVC door and lock it with the key after pulling the handle up.”

All of the break-ins happened between 10.20pm on Sunday, June 19, and 7am the next day.

Witnesses or residents in the area with CCTV can contact officers on the ward mobile on 07969 365610, or investigating officer PC Kelly Scott at the Basildon CID target team on 0300 3334444.