A Neighbourhood Watch group has been set up in Witham after residents were left frightened following a spate of burglaries.

In May a number of houses were targeted overnight, many within the same roads.

Karen Edwards, from Witham, set up a crime watch group on Facebook as her road had been hit by burglars.

She said: "A lot of them took place within 100 yards of where I live and three were down my road.

"It frightens the life out of me, even to the point where the wind was blowing my letter box and it panicked me as I thought someone was trying to get in.

"I was hoping a group would have been set up for a while as I know how productive they can be. Now even the internal doors in my house get the keys removed and I don't leave my handbags downstairs."

Mrs Edwards wants the group to be a place where witnesses come forward.

She said: "I think social media is imperative and integral to the whole thing. If it weren't for Essex Police and social media I wouldn't have known what had happened round the corner from me.

"My biggest concern is without the local PCSOs and street lights going off it makes us feel vulnerable.

"What does alarm me is that six per cent of cases on crime figures don't go to court and burglaries are usually closed as the intruder can't be found.

"I want a place where you get witnesses very quickly and I'm hoping it makes people aware in a more timely manner."

Speaking about the spate of burglaries from May 22 and May 23, district commander Craig Carrington said: "Our investigations into all these burglaries are continuing and as part of those enquiries, we are making house to house enquiries and examining any forensic opportunities.

"We would urge anyone with information to please call Braintree CID on 101.

"We are also continuing their work to tackle burglaries in the Braintree district including targeting suspected offenders, carrying out extra patrols in higher risk areas and visiting householders in close proximity to burgled houses to offer advice and reassurance.”

To join the Witham crime watch group visit www.facebook.com/groups/177591302637897/