THE owner of a dry cleaners raided overnight has thanked its customers during the past 40 years for their support.

Canvey Ironing and Laundry, Charfleets Industrial Estate, Canvey was burgled on Sunday night.

Police were called and found entry had been forced and cash and tools had been stolen from the property.

A 21-year-old has since been arrested following the raid at the premises on Vikings Way.

Karl Hopkins, who owns the business, took to social media the following morning to share CCTV photos to help identify the perpetrators.

Since then, the post has been shared on Facebook more than 500 times.

Mr Hopkins responded: “Just want to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you lovely people that shared, commented and sent me private messages regarding the break in today. It is really appreciated.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “A man has been arrested in connection with a burglary at a business in Canvey between Sunday, November 11 and Monday, November 12.

“We received reports that a man had forced entry into a business on Vikings Way and stole cash and tools.

“A 21-year-old man from Canvey has been arrested on suspicion of burglary, attempted burglary and theft from a shop.

“He remains in police custody.”

Canvey Ironing and Laundry has been based on the island for 40 years, covering collection and delivery services to the island plus Benfleet, Rayleigh, Leigh, Southend, Basildon and Pitsea.

This is the second time within two years the premises has fallen victim to burglars.

The previous incident took place in March 2017, where thugs smashed their way through a glass panel on the front door of the business.

The premises was then ransacked, with a filing cabinet being damaged and cash stolen.

The suspects also stole an iPhone 4.

Mr Hopkins said: “It’s been a manic day.

“I’ve had meetings with the police for most of it, but again the support from the public has been brilliant.

“We had so many shares on Facebook. Really just want to get the message across at how great the people of Canvey are, how we all came together to hopefully get the justice that’s deserved."

Anyone with information call police on 101.