A SUSPECTED burglar was caught on camera casing a house as police hunt for a gang of raiders.

Ten homes across Hockley have been targeted in a two-month crime spree.

In one of the latest incidents, three masked men tried to force their way into a home in Lower Road at about 4.15pm on Monday.

Despite one of the men being armed with a crowbar, the homeowner managed to scare them off.

The gang managed to get into another property at about 6pm - leaving behind a trail of destruction.

The burglars caused a significant amount of damage, but left empty-handed after being disturbed.

As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives are reviewing CCTV footage of an incident in Church Road, which took place on the same day.

A man was filmed ringing a doorbell while wearing a white latex glove on his left hand just after 6pm.

He asked the homeowner about a lost dog, and can be seen pointing with an un-gloved right hand.

The man then got into a waiting blue car and drove away from the scene with another man.

The video was posted on Facebook, and has since been shared more than 1,000 times.

A Church Road resident, who asked not to be named, said: “He didn’t appear to be worried and just got straight back in the car and drove off.

“With all the burglaries going on around here it’s very worrying. Everyone is scared they are going to be next.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police are investigating an attempt to break in to a house in Lower Road, Hockley, which happened at around 4.15pm on October 17.

“Three men in masks, one armed with a crowbar were disturbed as they attempted to get in to the property.

“We are also investigating a break in at another property in Lower Road reported to have happened a little later at 6pm.

“Nothing was stolen after the suspects were disturbed. Officers are looking at both incidents to see if they are linked.”

The spokesman added: “The post has been provided to the officers investigating and will be considered as part of the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111