POLICE in Maldon have been carrying out targeted patrols in a bid to catch the villains behind a series of High Street burglaries.

Last month Green’s greengrocer was targeted by crooks who cut a hole in the shop’s back door.

Burglars took cash from the till and charity boxes filled with donations for Essex Air Ambulance, Chelmsford Cancer Charity and Marie Curies Cancer Care.

In a second incident Mrs Salisbury’s Famous Tea Rooms were also targeted by a “professional criminal”.

During the burglary a brazen balaclava clad crook walked about before disconnecting the CCTV and taking £450 in cash from the till.

After the thefts, Maldon mayor Richard Miller, a former community policing sergeant, wrote to chief constable of Essex Police Stephen Kavanagh to call for a greater police presence in the town.

He has been reassured police in Maldon are increasing their activity to catch those responsible.

He said: “Small businesses can ill afford break-ins.

“Following a conversation with Chief Inspector Alan Cook, district commander for Maldon, I am reassured that efforts already in place by police officers at Maldon will pay dividends.

“Spates such as this happen from time to time, the important thing is that they are addressed promptly - I have every confidence it has been."

Mr Miller previously said as the town was generally a safe place, people could become complacent when securing their home or business.

Sgt Phil Morley, of the Maldon Community Po- licing Team, said: “Officers are fully aware of how this series of burglaries has affected local businesses both in financial terms and the time they have been unable to operate as normal.

“This is a matter that has been taken seriously and patrols have been targeting the areas affected.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.