A CARER chased a burglar out of the home of her 95-year-old client.

The burglary is just one of seven detectives are investigating in Basildon over the past ten days.

The thief targeted the elderly woman’s home in Mynchens, Lee Chapel, at about 10.50am on Wednesday, October 22.

He walked in through the front door, but the carer arrived just moments later.

She discovered the thief and bravely chased him from the house.

Basildon has historically seen an increase in burglaries in the run-up to Christmas.

Uniformed officers and detectives from Basildon CID have teamed up to try to stem the rise by tailing known offenders, carrying out high-visibility patrols in problem areas and handing out safety advice. However, they are also urging residents to be vigilant and take basic security measures to keep themselves safe.

Other burglaries in the past ten days include one in Barons Way, Langdon Hills, between 2.30pm on October 19 and 8.30pm on October 20.

Thieves searched the house, but the occupant does not yet know what was taken. Police are also probing a break-in at a house in Hereford Walk, Basildon.

The burglars got in through a downstairs window and stole a Samsung Galaxy tablet, a Pavilion G6 laptop and a Blackberry Curve.

Thieves also broke in to a house in Jacks Close, Wickford, between 3pm and 8.35pm on October 23.

Again, the owners do not yet knowwhat was taken.

Burglars broke in to a house in The Oaks, Billericay, between 7.25am and 6.05pm on October 23, and took a Samsung tablet computer, a Toshiba laptop, watches and jewellery worth a total of £3,250.

A burglary in Nottingham Way, Langdon Hills, between 10.15am on October 24 and 6.45am on October 25, is also being investigated.

The thieves got in by forcing the front door and stole an Asa laptop, an iPod touch, and a handbag, worth a total of £1,400.

A house in Abbey Road, Billericay, was burgled between 9am on October 18 and 1.55pm on October 25, and jewellery and Apple products worth £200 were stolen.

Police are appealing for anyone with information about these incidents to contact detectives at Basildon police station, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.