POLICE are urging people to be vigilant following a number of burglaries in the Saffron Walden area over the last few weeks. Detectives are especially keen to trace a man who broke into two houses in Ashdon Road, Saffron Walden, on Tuesday June 12. The of

POLICE are urging people to be vigilant following a number of burglaries in the Saffron Walden area over the last few weeks.

Detectives are especially keen to trace a man who broke into two houses in Ashdon Road, Saffron Walden, on Tuesday June 12.

The offences happened within a few minutes of each other around 3.30pm, when the elderly residents of the houses discovered a man inside their homes.

On each occasion he left when challenged by the homeowner, but at one of the addresses it was later discovered that he had stolen a dark blue purse containing cash and cards.

The man was described as white, aged around 40 and of average height. He was of stocky build, had dark hair and spoke with a local accent.

Anyone who saw a man fitting that description acting suspiciously in the Ashdon Road area around the time of the burglaries is asked to contact Det Con Caroline Parkes at Essex Police headquarters on 01245 452295.

Crime reduction officers are also warning people in Uttlesford to keep their sheds, garages and industrial or commercial premises secure, as these too have been targeted by burglars in recent months.

A workshop belonging to AG Claydon, of London Road in Newport, was broken into between 12pm on Saturday and 7.15am on Monday.

The burglars broke a padlock to get into the workshop, before stealing £2000 worth of power tools.

Crime reduction officer for Uttlesford, Peter Caulfield, said that industrial premises such as workshops were a popular target for thieves.

"Many of these types of property are not overlooked and are not constantly in use which inevitably makes them more vulnerable.

"These thefts cause a great deal of inconvenience and also impact on insurance costs so maintaining adequate levels of security should be seen as an investment rather than an expense."

A garage in Arkesden Road in Clavering was also targeted by burglars, who broke into it between 5pm and 7pm last Wednesday.

A battery drill, a charger, batteries, a jigsaw and a garden blower were all taken, worth a total of £450.

Mr Caulfield said: "Improving security on sheds and garages need not be expensive. Locking windows and doors are obvious measures and even the simple step of preventing people seeing in by hanging net curtains on windows can be a deterrent.

"There are also many budget-priced shed and garage alarms available in the shops and they can be very effective."

For more information on keeping your home or business secure, visit the crime reduction officer at your nearest police station.