Police found unlocked homes and even keys left in front doors during an operation aimed at thwarting burglars.

Operation Midwinter was set up following a spate of break-ins across the Chalkwell, Westcliff and Leigh areas.

Police community support officers walked the streets checking on home security and were stunned to find ten homes with open front or back doors.

More worrying was the discovery of two homes with keys left in the front door.

Insp Dave Colwell, from Leigh police, said: "Operation Midwinter was set up to tackle a recent spate of burglaries.

"I was surprised to hear my officers found so many homes with open doors practically inviting a burglar in.

"We would ask people to take more care about securing doors, both when they leave the house and while they are at home.

"Remember, it only takes a few minutes for a burglar to enter a property. You could even be upstairs at the time.

"We would ask people to be vigilant and report any suspicious people to us immediately."

Operation Midwinter also involves officers making extra patrols, delivering leaflets and offering crime prevention advice.The Echo reported yesterday new figures that revealed there had been 64 break-ins in the areas covered by Chalkwell and Blenheim wards, since October.

Around a third of the stolen goods have been electrical equipment.

Police believe thieves are targeting flat screen televisions in particular.

If you have any information regarding a burglary, or are suspicious about being offered electrical goods for sale, call police on 01702 431212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.