A THURROCK family have spoken of the trauma suffered after burglars raised and trashed their home.

The incident happened in Foyle Drive in South Ockendon last Friday evening when burglars broke into the property.

The residents have spoken on social media about the raid,  and the impact it has made on their lives. Both the family and police have urged residents in the area to check if they have any relevant dashcam or doorbell camera footage that might help identify the thieves.

A member of the family said: "On Friday 5 January at 8:09pm our house was burgled. The scum bags smashed into the side of our house into our kitchen and tipped the entire house upside down.

The ransacked home.

"I've always felt safe being at home alone with my two kids but this now makes me feel terrified being home alone. The kids are totally traumatised and afraid to sleep alone.

"We have some video footage from our Ring camera. Can I ask the local community, if you have cameras on Foyle Drive in Ockendon, Can you check if you have captured any footage on Friday 5 January at 8.09pm and another at 8.22pm.

"On the same day at 3.02pm, there was a man who pulled over suspiciously observing our houses. This may not be connected but his behaviour looks unusual to me, I am not a smoker would you pull over randomly outside someone's house to smoke?

"If anyone has any info that would be massively appreciated. I am hoping we can get the car model and number plate if possible.

Raiders forced a side door to gain access.

"Thank you and please be cautious when no one is at home."

A statement from Essex Police says: "'We were called to an address on Foyle Drive in South Ockendon at around 10pm on Friday, 5 December following reports of a residential burglary which had occurred that evening. 

"The victims returned home to find their property had been broken into. 

"Officers including Crime Scene Investigators attended and enquiries remain ongoing within our Criminal Investigation Department. 

"Anyone with any information is asked to contact us, quoting incident number 1351 of 5 December.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on X, formerly Twitter, at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."