BURGLARS broke into a cafe and stole cash and a charity collection box.

British Transport Police (BTP) detectives have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to identify after the Platform Café at Benfleet station was broken into.

The man went into the station from along the tracks at around 2.25am on Friday, October 12 before forcing his way into the café on platform one and stealing a small amount of cash.

He also stole a charity box that was collecting money for the Canvey-based Indee Rose Trust, but it is not known how much cash was in it.

Det Con David Bishop is investigating.

He said: “CCTV footage shows a man who is wearing a distinctive jacket and is at the station at the time of the break in. “We are keen to talk to this man as we believe he may have information that may help our investigation.

“If you recognise the jacket, which may have been worn inside out, or know who was responsible, I’d urge you to contact police and help detectives in this investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B7/LNA of 08/11/12.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.