An angry shopkeeper today hit out at burglars who broke into his store and stole £1,200 worth of scratchcards.

Lee Petch, who runs Seaview Minimarket, on Canvey, is now urging people not to buy cheap scratchcards on the street - because the stolen cards are worthless.

He has phoned Camelot, who issue the Instant scratchcards, to cancel any winning cards.

Furious - Lee Petch's shop was broken into and £1,200 worth of scratchcards stolen Picture: TERENCE BUNCH 7ZMAM3

Thieves broke into the High Street store on Sunday night by forcing the side entrance door.

It followed an attempted burglary at the store on Wednesday night when thieves smashed three windows.

Mr Petch said: "All the scratchcards have been cancelled, so they are worthless. I would like to make an appeal to people not to buy cheap scratchcards from anyone because they may be stolen.

"I believe the police have recovered some of the cards, because the thieves will have realised they are worthless."

Mr Petch blames police resources for the problems and said more police officers should be made available for Canvey.

He said: "The police have told me there are only two units available at night on Canvey, which is absurd.

"It is not the fault of the police though, because their hands are tied."

Det Con Alex Gartshore said: "This gentleman is trying to run a business and it is difficult enough in this day and age without having thieves breaking into his shop."

Contact Canvey police on 01268 775533 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Published Friday, March 8, 2002