A PRESTIGIOUS tea room in a beautiful village has been raided for a second time in four months.

The number of business break-ins around Dedham have risen significantly so the parish council and neighbourhood watch volunteers are trying to convince Essex Police to come to the village and help them set up a Business Watch group.

The Essex Rose tea rooms, run by the world renowned Wilkins & Son, were broken into in the early hours of Thursday.

The company has released CCTV images of the thieves, from cameras installed following problems earlier in the year at the 16th century building.

Manager Nicky Goldsack said: "Dedham is a lovely village with a great mix of shops and places to eat employing many local people.

"It is so disappointing two people breaking into our premises can cause disruption and upset our staff.

"Unfortunately it is not the first time there has been an incident but we hope someone will recognise these people, their clothing or the holdall they were carrying and contact us so we can advise the police."

They stole digital scales and a small amount of cash after breaking in through the back door.

Earlier in the year, con-artists tried to confuse staff with cash exchanges at the counter and security was increased.

The tea rooms were also raided overnight on June 19.

Ms Goldsack said: "Then there was a lot of damage. They came through the front window, ripped the door frame and stole a safe.

"It is really disheartening for the team.

"They are all women and they are getting to the point they are nervous coming to work."

Other shops and businesses in Dedham have also suffered attempted break-ins.

Ann Follows, a parish councillor and neighbourhood watch co-ordinator, said: "We have requested a meeting with the police.

"We are trying to set up a Business Watch scheme to get businesses and the police involved to see what we can do.

"We have had a few break-ins.

"The Essex Rose has been targeted a few times.

"It seems to be more the businesses at the moment."

The raids in June and September are not believed to have been committed by the same people.

The latest raiders even stole an asthma inhaler left by a member of staff.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Burglars entered the Essex Rose Café in High Street, Dedham, by forcing a back door shortly before 4.15am on September 15.

“They stole digital weighing scales, an MP3 player, two asthma pumps and some money.

"Between 5pm on June 19 and 6am on June 20, a side door was forced and a safe was removed."

Anyone with information who recognises the people in the CCTV images or who saw anyone acting suspiciously call Essex Police on 101.