MORE than £500 worth of customised clothes have been stolen from an indepedent shop.

Three women are understood to behind the theft at Pinkies Crafters Cavern, in Canvey High Street, which took place on Friday afternoon.

A stash of children’s clothes, inspired by traditional Spanish fashion, were snatched while shop worker Tina Ford, 41, was distracted. She recognised the trio as previous customers.

She said: “It was about 2.50pm and I was working in the shop like normal when three ladies came in.

“We have had them in before and they usually buy quite a few things.

“Two women stayed at the front of the shop and the shop and other kept coming to the front where the Spanish wear is. The pieces there are quite expensive.

“She went back to her friends and then went back to talk to her friends and then came back to the Spanish wear.”

Tina then had a phone call from her daughter. As soon as she answered it, one of the women grabbed a handful of clothing and the trio ran off.

She added: “They must have heard me answer the phone.

“She just grabbed items from the children’s rail. I didn’t see the two women at the front, but they all left.

“I went out and shouted at them.

“They had parked their car in a one way street which I don’t think they had realised, and they had to turn around.

“I got some pictures of the car as they were turning around.”

The items stolen were mainly handmade by local crafters. The business sells jewellery, plaques and other gifts.

Tina added: “It is awful the clothes have been stolen Someone spent a lot of time making them.

“Of course the theft will be covered by the insurance, but it’s very disappointing that someone would steal from us.

“We have had so much support from our customers since it happened.

“I have worked here for two years and we have never had anything stolen before.”

Call police in 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.