Ramraiders targeted three south Essex stores within 90 minutes, police revealed today.
A post office in Eastwoodbury Crescent, Southend, was the first to be hit.
The police were again called out when raiders rammed the Co-Op store in Church Road, Benfleet, just 15 minutes later and made off with a quantity of alcohol.
Nearly an hour after that, another Co-Op store - in West Road, Shoebury - was targeted by yobs, who police said appeared to have tried to move the store's cash machine.
In each of the incidents, which took place between 1.30am and 2.40am yesterday, witnesses claimed to have seen a red Vauxhall Astra leaving the scene.
A vehicle fitting the description was later found abandoned following a crash in Westborough Road, Westcliff, at its junction with Fleetwood Avenue.
Call police on 01702 431212 if you have any information.
Published Tuesday, June 3, 2003
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