A SUSPECTED burglar tried to steal from a home while posing as an energy technician.

On Wednesday the attempted distraction burglary took place in Philbrick Crescent in Rayleigh.

A spokesman for the Castle Point and Rochford Policing Team said: "A male knocked on the door of a property and stated that he was from Scottish Power and that he needed to come in and take a meter reading, whilst in the property he asked the occupant to go and get the latest meter reading's for him.

"The occupant felt uneasy about the male and believed his intention was to be alone so he could steal items from within the home, the male was asked to leave the property.

"Our PCSOs attended and completed some house to house enquiries and we're made aware from a number of residents that on the date of the incident a female had knocked on properties, stating to residents 'Don't be alarmed if you see people going in to properties, we are completing loft insulation in the road as it is part of a neighbourhood watch area'.

"It is likely the two incidents are linked.

"Please be mindful of bogus/rogue callers especially with the Christmas period approaching.

"If you get a visitor and you believe they are not genuine please report this using the Essex Police non-emergency number 101 or you can report online using our website, if you can please get the best description possible."