A WARNING has been issued by police after crooks broke into a large number of houses and cars in a two-day Clacton crimewave.

The burglary spree saw 12 homes targeted in just two days, while a number of cars were also broken into.

Incidents happened in St Osyth Road, Agincourt Road, Alton Park Road and Wellesley Road, with police linking the crimes to one gang.

Officers said the crimes were opportunistic.

In most cases, the crooks got in to the homes through doors or windows that were unlocked.

Crime prevention officer David Gillies said: “This spate was contained in a certain area of Clacton.

“Most of the incidents are down to people leaving doors and windows open or unsecured, though a small number were forced by the thieves.

“This is seen a lot at this time of year, often due to the nice weather.

“But we need residents not to make it so easy for the criminals and take simple steps to make sure they do not fall foul of more incidents like this.”

Officers have arrested three people in connection with the burglaries.

Police are urging people to lock doors and windows overnight, secure side gates and sheds, double-check patio doors and uPVC doors with multiple locking mechanisms, and make sure cars are locked.