Publicans are warned to avoid a sizzling summertime scam by being on the alert for strangers after a brazen burglar netted thousands of pounds in two daytime robberies last week.

Though both pubs targeted, The Plough and the Prince of Wales at Roman Road, Mountnessing, were closed Brentwood Police believe that with doors and windows being left open in the better weather all licenced premises are vulnerable.

And those which have all day opening are particularly high on the hit list with the burglar maybe fixing his eye on pubs in other outlying Brentwood villages as well as town centres.

Linking both lucrative daytime raids, Dc Paul McFadyen, of Brentwood Police said: "All local licencees should be on their guard. Both these raids were carried out in daylight, between 3.30 and 5.15pm.

"At The Plough the publican actually came face to face with the thief but luckily he just turned and ran so it didn't turn nasty.

However several thousands of pounds were taken. But it could easily have been a different story and all publicans need to be aware of these raids and take measures to protect their property.

"In one raid the money was taken from the till and in the other from various places in the pub so he was obviously wandering around at will.

"At the Prince of Wales he got away with several hundreds of pounds. It would appear that both pubs were targeted.It is possible he could strike again and all licencees should be extra mindful of security and keep an eye out for strangers or anyone suspicious.

"With Brentwood and surrounding villages being so close to major roads like the A12 and M25 the area is an easy one to make a quick get away from."

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