TWO digital design companies are the latest to have been targeted by burglars with an eye for expensive computers.

At least six companies in north and mid Essex have suffered attempted break-ins or had thousands of pounds worth of equipment stolen in recent week.

It is thought the burglars are looking for Apple Mac desktop computers.

Trait Design in Grange Road, Tiptree, was the most recent target, at 10.20pm last Monday.

Ross MacWillson, from Trait Design, said: “It took us 15 minutes to get to the offices (when the alarm went off) but unfortunately the thieves had fled.

“The approximate cost of the theft and damage is £6,000.

“One Apple Mac was stolen, the other PC was left untouched. It is obvious they were only interested in stealing Apple Macs.”

READ MORE: Colchester's This is Fever loses £25k after two raids in six weeks

Police are looking at possible links to a series of burglaries spanning across four months.

Thync Creative in Maldon was targeted on the same night.

Michael Bloomfield, proprietor, said it was between 10pm on Monday and 7.15am on Tuesday.

Mr Bloomfield said: “We believe they attempted to climb up to the balcony and break through the door with no luck.

“They managed to force the ground floor door open and went upstairs.They took the cash box and an iMac.”

A police spokesman said: “A crime scene investigator attended to check for forensic opportunities and we await the results.

“There is no known CCTV or witnesses to lead to the identification of suspects but anyone with information can call 101.”

Web design company This is Fever in Chapel Street North, Colchester, lost 11 Apple Mac desktops over two break-ins on February 20 and April 7.

White Space Creative Solutions in Commerce Way, Colchester, was hit on March 9.

Stationery UK in Inworth Road, Feering, suffered an attempted break-in on May 6.

On May 12 Indigo Ross in Sudbury suffered the same fate.