A Benfleet businessman has called for Essex Police to be given more manpower after a £20,000 burglary at his home.

John Rickwood, owner of Leigh Building and Garden Supplies, was asleep with his wife and three young children at his Spencer Road home when thieves struck in the early hours of Friday.

He said: "I support the police but we haven't got a hope in hell if they don't get more officers."

Published Monday October 21, 2002

Brought to you by the Evening Echo