BURGLARS raided fridges and freezers at Canvey cafes before leaving the tools used to break in behind.

Crude hooked bars were used to force entry to the Welcome Hut, Western Esplanade and snap through padlocks.

The till and float were taken and the fridges and freezers were emptied with meat and other supplies taken.

However the tools were left behind, which will now be examined by police.

A spokesman for the business said: “It is really bizarre.

“The tools that were left behind were quite basic, not professional, it’s strange they would leave the tools they used behind.

“We will be open as usual and we don’t want to put people off.

“This may have hit us, but nothing’s going to hold us down and we need our customers’ support more than ever at this stage.

“Bear with us if things are a little slower than normal but our food quality and our upbeat manner will be as good as always.”

In a message to their customers the owners added: “Extra measures have been taken to step up our security. Very random items were stolen.

“It’s very sad that these people can’t do an honest life’s work like the rest of us who take pride in our hard-earned cash duties and jobs.

“Please be patient with us the next few days, since the break in our main side door to the kitchen area cannot be opened meaning we will be working in extreme heat and having to serve your food via the front small hatch once prepared.” It is understood the Bay Cafe was also burgled but the owners could not be reached for comment.

Essex Police confirmed they are investigating the incident and that a tool had been left at the scene.

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information following the raids overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday should call police on 101 quoting crime reference number 42/122064/19.