Burglars targeted three homes in 24 hours.

Three families had their houses raided between January 25 and January 26.

Braintree’s top cop, District Commander Chief Inspector Nick Lee, is warning homeowners to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity immediately to police.

Thieves stole £500 cash from a house in Medley Road in Rayne between midnight and 8am last Thursday.

They got in to the house through the front door, which had not been locked.

Burglars raided a home in Ingelrica Avenue in Hatfield Peverel between 10.30pm and 6.20am on the same night.

They took IPods and Mobile phones worth £1600.

Thieves broke in to a house in Braintree Road in Terling between 7.45am and 7pm on January 26.

They took £10 worth of tobacco and caused £50 of damage.

Chief Inspector Lee said: “Even though two of these burglaries happened at night, I would like to reassue residents overnight burglaries are rare.

“Burglary is a horrible crime, it is a direct violation of people’s personal space and can leave victims feeling vulnerable in their own homes.

“If anyone sees anyone acting suspiciously in their area, they should call 999 straight away.”

Anyone with information about any of the incidents can contact Braintree police station on 101.