DETECTIVES are appealing for information and witnesses following a house burglary in Dunmow.

Between 11.30am and 5.30pm on March 7, suspects gained entry to a property in Ongar Road through an insecure rear door, and stole jewellery with an estimated total value of around �800.

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information about this crime to contact the CID Target team at Braintree, on 0300 3334444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Crime reduction advisor Stephen Armson-Smith said: “As many recent crimes have shown, burglars prefer to gain access to properties out of sight and this often means the rear of a property.

“Please take a look at your home and consider whether there is a clear, unobstructed, access to the rear?

“Where possible, Essex Police would advise residents to fence and gate access to their rear gardens - with the maximum allowable height without planning permission being 1.8m or 1m next to a highway used by vehicles.

“We would advise residents to top any fencing with some trellis of about 380mm, (just over a foot in height), and to consider placing some spiky toppings.

“These “spiky toppings” require a warning notice which is usually supplied with the product.

“Also, residents should secure their gates with either a suitable key operated mortice lock or a “Close Shackled” padlock .

“’Defensive planting’ can also be very effective. ‘Defensive planting’ means growing plants such Berberus, Pyracantha, climbing rose or Hawthorn around the existing perimeter fencing of any height or anything else you wish to protect, such as a domestic fuel tank. Garden centres often sell established plants.

“Finally, always remember to ensure your windows and doors are secured correctly and keys removed out of sight.

“Appropriately placed ‘dusk till dawn’ lighting with economy bulbs will help prevent night time crime.”

If you would like further advice regarding your home security you can contact your local crime reduction advisor on 0300 333 4444 or visit the Essex Police web site essex.police.uk