BRAZEN thieves broke into garages and stole a limited edition tool box worth thousands of pounds.

Couple Lucy and Liam Mahan have been left devastated after their garage lock-up near Rochford Road, Southend, was one of a number to be raided.

Liam, 23, of Benfleet, who works as an electrician, had his limited edition Snap-On tool box – estimated to be worth around £5,000 – taken by the thieves.

Lucy, 22, has shared an appeal on social media to locate the box, and believes the crooks knew exactly what they were looking for.

She said: “There are 40 garages at the location and we think many were hit.

“We’re devastated, Liam works so hard and he doesn’t entirely know how many tools were in the box. Only a few of this kind have been made.

“I believe this is organised crime.

“In one garage was an engine, but they didn’t touch that.”

She added: “I haven’t been down there myself as I’m just so angry.

“We don’t know how much else was taken from ours, but I’m most angry about this as it’s worth so much to Liam. I am not worried about baby toys when this has been taken.”

Miss Mahan, who lives in Chalkwell, said since the burglary she has seen a similar tool box up for sale online by a seller in in the north of England, and fears it could be the same one.

She added: “From what I’ve seen the seller doesn’t have proof of purchase. It doesn’t seem right.”

Essex Police are investigating the thefts.

A spokesman said: “We were contacted shortly before 8.25am on Friday with reports garages had been broken into in Rochford Road, Southend.

“Three burglaries have been reported, with tools stolen from each garage overnight.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 42/10083/20.