A CRIME fighting group has been set up on Canvey after a homeowner walked in on a burglar ransacking his home.

At about 5.50pm last night, a man returned home to Hilbery Road, Canvey and walked in to find a burglar carrying a safe and a pillowcase of loot the other way.

The man warned his family to stay away and told the burglar to drop the goods.

The burglar turned and fled while neighbours, alerted to the commotion, then gave chase.

Neighbour James Mann even brought his dog to try and help.

He said: “My neighbour arrived home literally as the burglar walked out of the door.

“He stayed calm and told him to hand over the stuff, this was when we began to hear what was happening.

“I came running out with my boxer dog as I thought it would intimidate him.

“My neighbour managed to corner him in the garden, just as I came running around the other side of the fence, the guy climbed up and over and managed to run off.

“There was a big group of us by then out looking for him. The police arrived in what felt like minutes to help us.

“He didn’t managed to take everything he’d got from the house but I think he made off with some cash and other items, though I don’t think he’s sure how much was taken just yet.

“Unfortunately he did get away, but the quick actions of my neighbour and us in the community meant it wasn’t more serious.”

Mr Mann, a father of three, decided to create a WhatsApp group following the incident for the residents living on the road and surrounding area to instantly report when a crime has happened like a modern day neighbourhood watch.

He said it would help band the community together to instantly try to prevent crimes happening.

He added: “I wish I’d created this group sooner, I’ve had loads of requests to join it already.

“Neighbours don’t seem to talk to each other these days, whereas where we are it’s like a little close-knit family, we look out for each other.

“I run a locksmith business and I’m always cautious of dodgier folks.

“I always like to be very secure.

“With this, we can send messages and the others can instantly see it, and we can take really quick actions to prevent something worse happening.”

Police are investigating the burglary and a number of other crimes on the island.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called to reports of a burglary in Hilbery Road, Canvey, just before 5.50pm on Sunday, February 3.

“A man, described as being white, aged in his late 20s and being around 5ft 11ins tall, was chased from the address by the homeowners.

“He wore a dark-coloured tracksuit and a white hat with a bobble on top. It is believed that hundreds of pounds and an iPad were taken from the house.

“Officers conducted a search of the area, but found no trace of the man. Our enquiries are ongoing.” Call 101 with information.