THIEVES used a crowbar to smash through the front doors of a vets before raiding the till.

Lizzie Kwint, branch partner at Medivet, in Furtherwick Road, Canvey, was called to the surgery at around 11pm on Sunday after a customer - who lives just a few houses away - heard a commotion.

It is the third time the practice has been targeted by vandals, and the second time money has been stolen from the till.

Ms Kwint told how she worked through the night to clear up the trail of destruction left behind by the thieves.

She said: “It looks like they used a crowbar. We have a crowbar shaped hole in the wall.

“There was glass everywhere, all in the car park and the reception.

“We had to clean it up quickly before this morning because we have animals walking in and out.”

In January, the window to the front consulting room was smashed by vandals using two bricks. Previously, thieves attempted to steal from the medicine cabinet and even destroyed the fences outside.

Ms Kwint praised her clients for their support. She added: “It’s really upsetting to walk into.

“There was glass everywhere, it dangerous for the animals and their owners.

“Our clients have been amazing.

“The police were very quick to respond, arriving within three minutes of the call, but regrettably the contents of the till had already been taken.

“We’re very grateful for the police, they were really great. They helped me clean up and sent a guy to board everything up.

“The police said lot of smaller businesses in the area are being targeted.”

Barry Palmer, Canvey Independent Party councillor, said: “As far as I’m aware they’re trying to get more police on the island.

“Now various things are popping up - like burglaries and youngsters on bikes - I think they’re considering drafting more police during the school holidays.

“I mean there’s only so much you can do.

“When you get broken into you would usually do something to prevent it happening again but if it’s happening three or four times you need some sort of expert advice.

“They used to have community officers and police crime prevention officers that offer advice, but I think they’re hesitant to do so now in case they get blamed if it doesn’t work.”

An Essex police spokesman said: “Police received reports of a burglary in Furtherwick Road, Canvey, at around 10.30pm on July 23.

“Officers received a call that a suspect smashed a front door and entered the building before taking a two-figure sum of cash.” Anyone with information can call Canvey police on 101.