DETECTIVES investigating a series of burglaries in Grays have secured 14 charges against a man.

Grays CID have been carrying out enquiries into a number of burglaries and attempted burglaries carried out between 17 July and 5 August.

These involved a suspect forcing entry via a front door, before taking items including laptops and jewellery.

After a lengthy investigation, including gathering CCTV and statements from witnesses and victims, officers made an arrest on Monday, 5 August.

Lee Thwaites, 48, of no fixed address, has since been charged with eight counts of burglary, four counts of attempted burglary and two counts of fraud by false representation.

He was due to appear at Southend Magistrates' Court.

Detective Inspector Karen Knibbs said: "Burglary is a hugely upsetting and violating crime and we treated all of these reports as a priority.

"It is vital people feel confident in reporting such offending to us, as it is only through working with victims and witnesses we are able to make key arrests.

"There are also a number of measures you can take to keep your home safe.

"For advice on how to stay safe and protect your home, yourself, your business and your vehicles from crime, please visit our crime prevention pages.

"You can also find out more general information about crime, the law and staying safe on our advice and information pages."