POLICE are trying to track down this burglary suspect who was allegedly captured on CCTV stealing a mobile phone and hundreds of pounds from a Canvey business.

A man, along with an accomplice who has not been pictured, smashed their way into Canvey Ironing and Laundry, based in Charfleets industrial estate on Canvey, at about 11pm on Sunday.

The pair smashed the glass panel in the front door before ransacking the premises, including damaging a filing cabinet to find the cash.

Owner Karl Hopkins, 31, said: “I came into work the next day and the place was just trashed, the windows were broken and there was glass everywhere.

“He had also smashed the filing cabinet and unfortunately I had left some cash in there, I don’t normally do and I certainly won’t be doing it again.

“There were two of them, you can see the two of them come into the office, but there is only one of them on the CCTV image.

“It’s such a shame that this has happened.

“I put the CCTV image up on Facebook and the response from the community was brilliant.

“There have been more than 170 shares and 70 comments - I really appreciate their help.”

The suspect pictured wore a Parka jacket with fur around the hood, tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

The image shows him snatching the iPhone 4 from the desk.

Godfrey Isaacs, Castle Point councillor responsible for neighbourhoods and safer communities, believed that some of the burglaries on Canvey are carried out by professionals.

He said: “I do think that professional criminals are behind a lot of these burglaries, they seem to know what they are doing.

“Nowadays, DVD players and jewellery just aren’t enough for them - cash is all they seem to be after.

“It’s a sad situation that we are in and I have every sympathy for the guy who is just trying to run his business.

“There are ways to protect your business and I would urge people to do as much as they can.

“Get alarms, CCTV cameras - anything that will deter the burglars.

“Also, you definitely should not leave any money on your premises.”

So far, no arrests have been made and enquiries are continuing.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police have received reports of a burglary in Vikings Way, Canvey between 4pm on Sunday and 7.45am on Monday.

“The suspects have gained entry through the main door by smashing the glass.

“A filing cabinet was forced open and a three-figure sum of cash was stolen.”

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call Essex Police on 101 and quote reference 42/47307/17 or crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.