A THEFT at a newsagents in Langdon Hills is being investigated.

Police are appealing for information following the theft of cigarettes from Great Berry Off Licence, Nightingales.

CCTV footage shows a man appearing to grab cigarettes and run off.

The owners, who work up to 90 hours-a-week, said they are furious.

CCTV footage of customers who may have information which could help the police has been released by the shopkeeper.

He said: “My wife was in the shop at the time and I had just left with my young daughter.

“A man came into the shop and asked for a lot of different things including 100 cigarettes and a bottle of vodka.

“While my wife was getting the vodka he leant in and took the cigarettes and ran out of the shop.

“Another man came in and then they ran off together around the side of our shop.

“I am pleased my daughter wasn’t in the store at the time, but I am worried about my wife and what could have happened to her.

“This is the first thing that’s ever happened to us in ten years.”

He said his wife was left shocked and surprised by the incident.

He added: “We work between 80 and 90 hours per week and are very dedicated to our trade.

“These scumbags then come along and think they can take the liberty of doing this.

“The people responsible for this should be behind bars.”

Appeals have been shared on social media and while the owner accepts the value of 100 cigarettes may not seem like much to some he is as angry at the principle as he is the value.

He said: “It is only £50, but why should they get away with this?

“If anyone knows who this is please contact me or the police because next time someone could get hurt.”

The shop owner said the response and support in the community has been overwhelming and shows residents are aware.

Following the alleged raid his wife even gave chase pursuing two men along the street before becoming worried for her safety. And realising she did not know what she would be able to do if she did manage to catch up with the alleged thieves.

The trader said: “I am of course worried for my family and customers after what has happened at my shop.”

Footage of the alleged theft was sent to Essex Police and to the Echo as part of the attempt to find those responsible and recover the goods.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating after cigarettes worth a two-figure sum were taken from the Great Berry Off-licence shortly after 3.10pm on Wednesday, April 17.

“If you have any information call 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/60280/19 or alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”