BURGLARS who stole a selection of jewellery are believed to have broken into a shop by climbing in from the roof.

Mallards Jewellers, in Southend’s High Street, was targeted by thieves between Monday evening and Tuesday morning.

Police have confirmed that items of jewellery were taken, but were unable to say the total cost of the stolen goods.

Officers were also unable to confirm how the thieves entered the store but nearby residents said that they made their way in from the roof.

One resident, who did not want to be identified, said: “Mallards got broken into from the roof and was burgled. This is not the first time thieves have tried getting in through the roof.

“Mallards were closed all day on Tuesday. Because of this they lost thousands of pounds of business.”

John Lamb, leader of Southend Council, said: “I am very sorry to hear that this happened. We have CCTV cameras installed in our High Street, and I hope police will be able to find the thieves.

“I would like to see the culprits caught. It’s dreadful these things happen. And it causes harm to the shop, and it has a big impact on other shops along High Street.

“It’s probably just opportunists taking advantage of a situation.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We received reports that a jewellery store in Southend had been broken into between 5.30pm on Monday October 9, and 8.30am on Tuesday, October 10.

“Entry was forced into Mallards Jewellers on High Street and a number of items were stolen.

“Witnesses, anyone with information or anyone who has been approached to purchase jewellery and are suspicious of where the items have come from, are asked to contact Southend police station on 101 quoting incident 157 of October 10.”

Mallards Jewellers was unavailable for comment.