Maldon's traders have branded burglars “downright disgusting” after a spate of break-ins and charity box thefts.

At least six shops have been raided over the past month in the High Street, often in the middle of the night.

Callous thieves stole at least four charity boxes, a laptop, food and caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage in their reckless rampage.

Talking Flowers florist was broken into overnight between last Friday and Saturday and £750 was taken along with charity boxes.

In the early hours of November 22, burglars also smashed their way into Maldon’s fishmongers and the Friendly Frier fish and chip shop.

The crooks stole two charity boxes, containing a two figure sum for the Fisherman’s Mission and Air Ambulance, from the fish and chip restaurant.

See this week's MBS for the full story.