STREETLIGHTS could be turned back on in a crime-ridden estate as police try to halt a burglary spree.

Insp Shaun Kane, district commander for Basildon, is in talks with officers from Basildon Council and Essex County Council about the possibility of keeping lights in the Wick estate, Wickford, switched on between 1am and 5am.

It comes after there were reports of 32 break-ins in one week earlier this month - including ten in one night.

Essex County Council - which began plunging streets into darkness in 2013 - has always promised to consider requests from police over fears of increases in crime.

Mr Kane said: “We are working closely with Basildon Council and Essex County Council to support overnight street lighting being turned on in Wickford and the areas of concern of burglary vulnerability.

“We are in the process of identifying the streets where we would like the council to consider.

“I think it is a case of offering reassurance to residents.

“We have got feedback from the public and are listening to them.”

Receptionist Sandra Devine, of Harris Road, Wickford, originally petitioned County Hall to switch the streetlights back on across the estate in 2014.

The majority of the lights are switched off between 1am and 5am, and from midnight on Sunday’s.

More than 650 signed the petition but no action was taken by the council, which launched the part-night lighting initiative to save £1milion a year.

Mrs Devine said: “I think it’s absolutely fantastic that they want to do this, it’s long overdue.

“It’s ridiculous that lights are off in the first place.

“Obviously everybody is worried about the burglaries.”

David Harrison, Wickford Independents councillor for Wickford Park, added: “I think the people in the area will appreciate this very much.

“I think it will help deter crime and it will help the police if they are patrolling the area at night. Complete darkness must make it difficult.”

A gang of thieves are understood to be checking doors and targeting those which are not double locked.

Anyone with information about burglaries in the Wickford area can call Essex Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.