Six properties were targeted during a six-hour rampage by a gang of thieves yesterday (Friday, January 18).

Police say they believe the spate of break-ins and attempted break-ins yesterday afternoon and evening are linked and that they are looking for up to four men.

The first incident saw a four-figure sum of cash stolen from a home in Cambridge Road, Littlebury, near Saffron Walden, between 2pm and 3.45pm.

After that, four men who were described as white and wearing baseball caps tried to break into a home in Mathews Close, Halstead, at around 6.25pm.

A window was broken at an address in Mill Lane, Pebmarsh, shortly after 6.50pm and the victim described seeing four men in an Audi outside.

Then, four men who have been described as young and white were disturbed trying to break into an address in Shelcroft, Colne Engaine, just before 7.20pm.

They made off in a black Audi, which was very dirty and had a ‘soft top’.

After that, watches and jewellery were taken during a break-in at an address in Crocklands, Greenstead Green, shortly before 8pm.

Finally, keys for a car were taken from an address in Back Lane, Stisted, at around 8.10pm.

Three or four men, described as white, in their late teens or early 20s, slim, and between 6ft and 6ft 3ins tall were seen in the area shortly after.

The Audi linked to the raids was recovered in Back Lane.

Police say they need to speak to anyone who saw the dirty, black Audi S3 with the registration plate FV65 FCU.

Call 101 quoting 'Op Latte' with information.