A VICTIM claims crime has worsened in Wickford after thieves broke into his home and stole two cars.
Anthony Tonnison, 61, and his wife, Anne Marie, 57, have lived in the town for 22 years and were broken into last Friday, July 5.
Thieves entered Mr Tonnison's house through the front door and removed two sets of keys that were hanging in the hallway. His black Land Rover Freelander and his wife's red VW Polo were then stolen.
That same night, less than a mile away, a house on Wick Lane was also broken into. Thieves came across a handbag with keys to a blue Ford Focus inside.
Police believe both break-ins occurred between midnight and 6am, possibly an hour apart.
After coming home from work at around 5pm on Thursday, July 4, Mr Tonnison, a fabricator, parked his Land Rover outside his house on the road.
He said: "When I walked down I saw the front door was open and I looked outside and the Land Rover was gone and so was the VW. They just pushed the door in and then they were in.
"I had the keys in my jacket on the banister of the stairs so they didn't have to go in far."
During the night Mr Tonnison said he had no idea anyone had broken in and had not woken up, adding that his dog, Shmoo, a Border Terrier, has not barked when the intruders entered the house.
"I think crime has got worse in Wickford – there have been a few incidents here lately."
Essex Police are reminding motorists not to leave car keys on show in their homes while asleep.
Anyone with information in connection with this burglary is urged to contact detectives at Basildon police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
