DETECTIVES investigating five burglaries or attempted break-ins in the South Ockendon area are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

The five reports relate to incidents which took place between the hours of 3am and 5.30am today (Tuesday, 10 June).

A statement from Essex Police says: "Between these hours, we received reports of:

• An attempted burglary at a property in Anton Road. It was reported damage had been caused to a door, thankfully no access to the property gained.
• The theft of two cars from outside an address in Gatehope Drive. Access had been gained to the property and the keys stolen from inside.
• A burglary at an address in Annifer Way. Access had been gained to the property and items including a phone were stolen.
• A burglary at an address in Barle Gardens, where entry had been gained and a messy search undertaken inside the property.
• A break-in at a property in Daiglan Drive. It was reported suspects had gained access, before being disturbed by the occupants and fleeing.

Many of the reports mentioned seeing two suspects riding push bikes in the moments prior to the incidents.

An investigation is ongoing and being led by Grays CID, with officers working hard to carry out numerous enquiries in the area.

They need anyone who has any information, or footage, relating to suspicious activity in the areas set out to get in touch, quoting incident 154 of 10 June.

"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 Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."