CALLOUS thieves stole £200 from a charity shop safe after taking the keys to the safe from an employee’s handbag.

Thieves went into the Barnardo’s store, in High Street, Canvey, at around 8.15am on Friday, September 5.

Once inside they removed the keys to the safe from a member of staff ’s handbag, before taking more than £200 from the safe.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “It is believed thieves accessed the store via the front entrance or private rear door.

“Inquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.”

Staff at the shop did not want to comment on the incident.

A Barnardo’s spokesman said: “We can confirm there was a theft at our Canvey Island store. We are working closelywith the police on their investigation.”