TEAMS of thieves from east London are targeting family homes in the district, police claim.

Officers have urged residents to take extra precautions following 15 raids in the past three weeks.

The crooks are breaking in to steal car keys before making off in cars parked on the drive.

One victim, a 40-year-old woman from North Weald, said: "It really makes you feel very uncomfortable to know someone has crept into your home like that while you are asleep in bed.

"We are very security conscious - we lock all our windows and have very lively two dogs - but we had no idea what had happened until the following morning."

The burglars are targeting properties with UPVC doors, and crime reduction officer Tony Ellis said it is crucial residents lift the handles and simultaneously turn the key at the same time to ensure the bolts click into place properly.

He said: "Unless people lock doors properly it is very easy to get past the Yale lock with a screwdriver, or even a credit card.

"We think it's teams from east London who are literally walking along rows of houses and trying front doors to see which ones are easy to get past. It's worrying how easy it is for them."

For safety advice, call Mr Ellis on 01279 625525.