CROOKS smashed their way into four businesses in Manningtree in a single night before fleeing with hundred of pounds of cash.

Business owners have voiced their shock at the raids, which also saw thousands of pounds of damage caused and staff tips taken.

Manningtree Grill and Pizza, Hair at No 10, Simply Thai and De’aths Bakery were all targeted in the early hours on Sunday.

The crooks threw slabs of concrete through glass and kicked their way through doors .

CCTV cameras at the takeaway captured footage of the break-in.

A takeaway spokesman said: “We were surprised.

We thought it was just us, until we found out it was the whole street – which is pretty brave.

“Whoever did this must have watched us a lot.

He knew exactly where the float was.

“He knew where the camera was as well and covered his face up and duck ed down so you couldn’t see his features .

“I think it was the same person or group who did the four businesses in.”

Marc Linford, who owns Simply Thai, said: “It was a smash and grab. They took a couple of hundred pounds in tips and the float.

“They had chucked a big stone, like you’d find on top of a pillar, though the glass .

“Then it looks like they’d proceeded to grab an-ything they could.”

He added: “To begin with I didn’t realise it was organised, I thought it was mindless vandalism.

“It’s more disappointing than anything else; the door will cost more than £1,000 to repair.”

A spok esman for Essex Police confirmed concrete blocks had been thrown through the front windows of the businesses betw een 5pm on Saturday and 7.15am on Sunday.