THIEVES escaped with bottles of perfume when they raided a chemist in the early hours of Christmas day.

The burglars are believed to have targeted Boots, in Furtherwick Road, Canvey, by smashing through the side window of the shop.

Police were called at 5am to investigate the theft. So far, no arrests have been made.

It is not known how many people were involved in the burglary and the total value of the stolen perfumes.

Canvey Island Independent Party councillor Barry Palmer, representing Canvey Island South, said he was shocked at the audacity of the thieves targeting the shop on Christmas day.

He said: “Thieves know how to take advantage of situations. During the Christmas season, a lot of people let their guard down because they’re busy preparing for Christmas shopping, meals, and heading to their family’s home to celebrate Christmas.”

Mr Palmer believed not all parts of Furtherwick Road were fully lit up at night, which could have encouraged the thieves to strike.

He said: “Street lights on big roads like the A13 are always on. But on Furtherwick Road, which is a busy road, only have parts of it are lit up. Street lights remain switched on where Iceland and Castle View School are.

“But I suspect the part where Boots Chemist is was quite dark. Some shops do keep their lights on during the night so patrol officers can check if they’re safe. But then again, there’s not enough patrol officers due to funding cuts.

“Boots is not next to a curb on the road, it’s separated by a zebra crossing so when drivers drive past they’re less likely to see if there were thieves breaking in.

“It’s a well-known fact that people burgle during Christmas.

“I suspect the thieves were hoping to get drugs or medication.

“I can’t imagine what you would do with perfume, they might sell it on the black market.

“Boots is a large company, if they have CCTV footage installed there’s a good chance they could catch the thieves.”

A staff member at Boots confirmed with the Echo the burglary took place however they declined to provide any further comments.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We are investigating reports of a break-in at Boots, in Furtherwick Road, Canvey. We received the report just after 5am on December 25.

“A number of bottles of perfume are believed to have been stolen.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Canvey LPT on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”