ESSEX police have appealed for help after cash and a pair of hedge trimmers were stolen from a home in Ongar on Thursday evening (July 23).

The burglary occurred between 10pm and 10.30pm when thieves got into the house through an insecure conservatory and a Stihl hedge cutter was stolen.

Unlocked cars were also searched by the burglars, who also stole cash.

A police spokeswoman said: “We are looking for anyone who may have seen or heard anything. "We would like to remind people to always close windows and doors when leaving any room unattended for any length of time, also always lock your vehicle and remove any valuable items from display.”

Anyone with any information should contact detectives at Ongar police station on 0300 333 4444 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

This was the second case in Ongar on Thursday.

Police are still trying to trace a female intruder who was found wandering through an home in Green Walk, shortly before 11am.