Arrests after £18k stolen in pub raids

Pubs have been warned to be vigilant after burglars targeted tills and fruit machines in a series of raids.

Five people have been arrested in connection with more than dozen thefts and attempted thefts in and around the Braintree area of Essex.

In total, around £18,000 was taken from tills and fruits machines as the burglars broke into pubs late at night using a crowbar.

Christine Johnson, licensee of the Queens Head in Coggeshall, was asleep as the thieves attempted to break into her pub.

The attempted break in was discovered the next day and although nothing was stolen she said she was shaken up by the incident.

"Luckily we have good security and we would warn other licensees to be on their guard. They got into another pub down the road and stole the charity boxes," she said.

"They have been targeting pubs because they know there was more money in the tills over the Christmas and new year period."

Other pubs in the area were also hit, including the Red Lion in Witham where the licensee was left with a £200 repair bill when burglars used a crowbar to force open the backdoor.

Chief Inspector Nick Lee, Braintree district commander, warned pubs to be on guard.

He said: "We are aware of an emerging trend where pubs and other commercial premises are being broken into overnight and cash is being taken.

"We are investigating these as linked crimes and would urge all publicans and shop staff to be absolutely vigilant about security and to avoid leaving cash in tills overnight."

The five men have all been released on bail pending further inquiries.