Police are asking members of the public to be vigilant after two sheltered accommodation properties have been burgled this weekend.

Homes in Orchard Road, Grays and Sawyers Hall Lane, Brentwood were targeted by burglars between late evening of Friday January 6 and the early hours of Saturday January 7. Both addresses have security door access and are home to elderly residents. 

The three suspects are white, were wearing dark clothing, and access was gained to ground floor flats while residents were asleep.

The suspects spoke to some residents and claimed they were police officers. They gained entry to one elderly resident’s bedroom by knocking on her window and telling her they needed to come inside.

When the 90-year-old woman asked for police ID, she was told they did not have any and were not wearing uniforms because this was normal practice during night shifts.

In total there were two break ins at the Brentwood property, and one break in and an attempted break in at the Grays property.

Dc Charlotte Taylor Stevens from Grays CID, said: "We think there is a chance that these suspects will try and burgle other similar properties and so would like to remind people that police officers will always be in uniform or will have identification and no one should be allowed entry to premises without this.

"Also, most residents will have an alarm pendant button which they are urged to activate immediately for help if they believe suspects have gained access to their home.”

Anyone with concerns or information about these incidents is urged to contact Grays or Brentwood CID on 101.