TWO men have been arrested following a spate of crime at an industrial estate.

A man was arrested on suspicion of burglary after a business at Eastways in Witham was targeted.

Police were called to reports of a burglary as a group had forced entry were disturbed by a member of the public.

The burglars ran from the scene empty handed, on Tuesday, May 16, at about 11.30pm.

A 26-year-old man from Hornchurch was arrested last Thursday on suspicion of burglary, possession of class A drugs and possession of an offensive weapon. He has been released under investigation.

A thief also stole a box of supplies from AMD Electricals near the industrial estate after making a hole in the fence on Thursday, May 11.

The thief broke the fence to the external store in Taber Place, and then returned on Saturday night, May 13, to steal the items.

Rob Large, who works at AMD Electricals, said: “We have got an external store at the back of the building for electrical equipment, he broke into there and took a box but we are not sure what was in it.”

The fence was cut at about midnight on May 11, and the thief returned between Sat- urday night and Sunday morning.

Police arrested a 34-year-old man from Westcliff on suspicion of theft, possession of drugs and possession of an offensive weapon.

He was arrested last Thursday and later released under investigation.

Kate Carling, director of Witham Industrial Watch, said: “We are concerned at the recent crimes, and while every business is responsible for their own security, Witham Industrial Watch works with businesses to help deter criminal activity and with the police in apprehending criminals.

“Thefts are costly and disruptive and we urge everyone to check their security arrangements.”