THIEVES smashed several shop windows and stole cash and electrical items during a vandalism and burglary spree.

Four shops in Bluehouse Farm, in London Road, Pitsea, were targeted overnight from Tuesday to Wednesday with cash snatched from tills and laptops being stolen.

The shops that were targeted include Basildon Wallpapers, Ornate Plaster and Fireplaces and Doors, Floors and Stair Paints.

Barry Wellstead, who owns Basildon Wallpapers, was infuriated with the mindless actions.

He said: “We had our windows smashed, but thankfully nothing was stolen. It will cost me up to £600 to fix the windows.

“About three or four months ago we had another break-in. The robbers took £120 from our till. Last time police didn’t even turn up, they just texted us a crime number.

“It does get pretty rough here sometimes.

“In fact, other shops in the area have been targeted, but I’m not sure if it’s done by the same people. I heard they used a hammer to smash the windows.”

An employee of the Doors, Floors and Stair paints, who did not wish to be named, said they had a laptop stolen. He said: “We had some petty theft stolen, and the door window was smashed. Primarily the person was looking for cash but we don’t keep any tills in the store. But unfortunately our laptop was stolen.”

Ornate Plaster and Fireplaces, also fell victim to theft.The manager, who asked not to be named, said: “The thief smashed our door glass. We didn’t leave anything valuable like cash tills, or laptops in our stores. It will cost us £230 for repairs.”

Forever Boutique was contacted but they declined to provide a comment.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “.Entry was forced into the businesses on London Road by smashing the glass in the front doors. Once inside the intruder searched the properties, causing further damage.

“The suspect was wearing a long sleeved coat, a baseball cap and a backpack. They left in the direction of High Road, on a push bike.

Anyone who may have seen a person matching this description can call police on 101.