SIX pubs were targeted by two thieves in a one-night crime spree.

More than £5,000 in cash was stolen in the raids, which took place across Southend, Rayleigh and Benfleet.

Essex Police’s CID are probing the incidents at Bellini, in London Road, Leigh; Saxon King, in Priory Crescent, Southend; Paul Pry, in High Street, Rayleigh; and the Hoy and Helmet, in High Street; the Anchor Inn, in Essex Way and the Zach Willsher, in Church Road, Benfleet.

Two men frightened a 17-year-old girl at the Hoy and Helmet after walking into her bedroom looking for cash and then stole an iPod and money from staff bags on the stairway.

Lisa Griggs, landlady of the pub, said: “They were as bold as brass and one even asked the other if he wanted a Red Bull after they had been seen.

“It’s a scary situation. We have put punch locks on our doors now.”

It is understood the crooks then went straight to the Anchor, making their way into the pub’s locked offices to steal £5,000.

They stole a card reader from the Zach Willsher pub, but were sent away by the manager’s husband, who spotted them in the pub’s flat.

The crooks were also spotted trying to sneak into the offices of the Saxon King pub, but were spotted by a barmaid who got a barman and chef to confront them. The thieves claimed they were looking for the toilet.

General manager Dave Mortlock said: “It could have easily been a lot worse as they could have got our manager cashing up. It could have been a lucrative night for them.”

Eagle-eyed regulars also managed to spook the crooks at Bellini, at about 8pm, while they were chased away from the Paul Pry by the former landlord when they tried to force their way into his living quarters.

Supervisor Sean Bell said: “They banged on the door to force it open, but the former landlord, who still lives there, was in and opened the door. He told them to go away.

“It was like they were either trying to get in or see if anyone was in to make their move.”

Detectives believe the raids have been carried out by the same suspects based on their descriptions. The suspects are described as both being white men in their early to mid thirties.

The first had a shaved, balding head and has been described as thick set. He spoke with a local accent and was wearing an olive green padded jacket, dark trousers and black trainers.

Officers are warning all pubs and bars in the area to be on their guard.

Det Con Simon Laurie said: “Normally CID doesn’t get involved in burglaries, but because there have been so many in such a short space of time, and they are probably linked, this spate has come to us.

“I believe they are linked and appeal for people to come forward.”

Anyone with information can call DC Simon Laurie on 101.