Publicans in Braintree have warned colleagues to beware of a gang running a protection racket in the town.
Braintree and Bocking's branch of the Licensed Victuallers' Association (LVA) has spoken out after claiming local pubs have been targeted in recent months and threatened with violence
The association claims pubs have been approached by people claiming to be from a security firm.
When offers of protection were not taken up, threats were made over the safety of the premises and the licensee or tenants.
In one instance, a new publican was handing over hundreds of pounds to a gang, until he informed the LVA, thinking it was normal practice.
Braintree police have been informed and a letter has been sent to every pub, warning them about what the LVA called "demanding money with menaces".
A spokesman for the Braintree LVA, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "They target new people and the weak, the new tenants and leasers who are a bit green round the gills and don't know any different."
The spokesman said the gang is organised and poses as a security firm.
Anyone with information should ring Det Sgt Greg Potter at Braintree CID on 01376 551312
Published Thursday July 8, 2004
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