A MAN and a woman have been charged in connection with a series of burglaries across south Essex.

William Smith, 24, of Cherry Hill Farm, Chelmsford, appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, charged with ten counts of burglary and four counts of fraud.

Kiera Baugh, 38, of Stevenson Way, Wickford, appeared at the same court charged with nine counts of burglary and four counts of fraud.

No pleas were entered. They were remanded in custody to appear at Basildon Crown Court on September 10.

It follows reports of burglaries in Billericay, Wickford, Basildon, Rayleigh, Hullbridge and Chelmsford between 16 July and 3 August.