The break-in, the latest in a recent spate of robberies that have seen businesses on Wickford High Street targeted by crooks, happened around 2.45am yesterday at Inpressed Dry Cleaners.
Crooks smashed through the front window, entered the building and made off with £1,500 of garments and owner Seyhan Yorganci’s laptop full of personal and work information.
Damage – Seyhan’s attempt to cover the damage (Image: Seyhan Yorganci)
Recent incidents have seen Posh Boys Taprooms, Wickford’s Post Office Depot, estate agent Temme English and hairdresser Into Hair broken into and vandalised in the past three months.
Seyhan said: “Six weeks ago they did the same thing to me, I haven’t finished doing the last insurance claim.
“I am lost for words, I have been here for more than ten years and since moving to the High Street from Silver Island Way this has happened twice in a matter of weeks.
“I have to find thousands for shutters and security now, I got hit before the new year and right after it.”
Smashed – the shop had also been targeted six weeks ago (Image: Provided) Though the business is insured for everything on the premises, Seyhan fears the impact on his excess as a result of the two break-ins.
He added: “I am still open though, but the damage is on show and I have black bags covering up the broken glass.”
The break-ins back in December, of Posh Boys Taproom in Lower Southend Road and the Post Office Depot, caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage, creating issues for both businesses just before the start of the festive period.
A police spokesman said: “We were called at around 2.45am on Wednesday January 8 to reports of a break-in at a dry cleaners in Wickford High Street.
“The front door had been damaged and items had been taken from inside.
“If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.
“Please quote the crime reference number 42/3113/25.”