BOOZE-pinching thugs are wreaking havoc at a newsagents - with the shop targeted twice in just one week.

A police probe has now been launched into the latest raid, on Wednesday, which saw three masked yobs storm News For You, based on Furtherwick Road, Canvey.

CCTV footage shows the hooded trio entering the store before grabbing a whole stash of beers and dashing back out the door. 

A staff member at the store, who wished to remain anonymous, says thugs typically wait until it’s dark outside before targeting the shop.

They said: “The most recent incident we’ve had was on Wednesday. It was the evening time and we’ve got our drinks out on display near the front of the store where we have a deal on, so people can see it more. 

“They came in took the beers and just ran again.

“But this sort of thing always seems to happen near the time we’d typically be locking up, I guess it’s because it’s dark and of course they are wearing face masks so it’s harder to catch who they are.

“We really can’t put our finger on who it could be.”

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The shop was also targeted less than a week earlier on February 18 in a similar incident. 

The staff member added: “It is annoying this has happened to us once again. 

“And it seems it’s happening a lot on the high street area along Furtherwick Road.

“It’s always smaller bits taken each time, never more than £25, but it’s the principle. 

“It’s wrong to steal from any business and is just really frustrating.

“I also heard it happened at another business on the road at about 8.30pm too, it’s just not right.”

A spokesperson from Essex Police, said: “We are investigating following a theft from a shop in Furtherwick Road, Canvey.

“A group of people entered the shop at around 7.50pm on Thursday February 24 and made off with beer worth a two figure sum without attempting to pay. Our enquiries are ongoing.

“If you have any information you can report it online at https://www.essex.police.uk or use the live chat button to speak to an online operator between 7am-11pm.

“Please quote the crime reference number 42/34375/21. Alternatively, you can call 101.”