Burglars stole thousands of pounds worth of jewellery from nine houses in a one day spree, just weeks before Christmas.

Houses in Wickham Bishops, Cold Norton, Tillingham, Maldon, Hazeleigh and Burnham were all broken into during the day last Wednesday.

Carer Lynn McDermott, 59, of Leigh Drive, Wickham Bishops, was shocked to discover £4,000 of jewellery was stolen while she had been at work between 2.30pm and 8.15pm.

She said: “When I pulled up outside all the lights were on inside.

“I opened the front door, which was locked, and I immediately saw all the doors were open.

“It’s very surreal, I can’t take it in.”

The burglars had taken her wedding ring, engagement ring, two pairs of gold earrings, cash and her husband’s watch.

See this week's MBS for the full story.