CROOKS targeted popular tourist spots in the heart of Dedham as they prepared for weekend trade.

Staff were duped into handing over cash from the Boathouse restaurant in Mill Lane before the crooks sped off in a car towards the A12.

And a tea room about 500 yards away was broken into.

It is believed hundreds of pounds may have been taken as businesses were hit one by one.

But police have not officially linked the incidents yet.

Chris Sobolewski, general manager of the Boathouse, raced after the crooks in his car after they took £50 from his till but got away.

However, CCTV footage at the premises has been released on the internet in a bid to seek the suspects.

Mr Sobolewski said: “Just after we opened, a car pulled into the car park with two males inside.

“One of them went to the kiosk and spoke to one of my assistants in regards to the price of boat hire.

“When she explained to him the price of the boats he said he needed to speak to his wife in the car.

“In the meantime he said we wanted to buy some muffins from the kiosk.”

The man gave the assistant £5 and she gave him the change but she said he confused her by asking her to change notes.

“When he was trying to get his change back he was really demanding and pushy and rude.

“He got away with £50 from our till,” Mr Sobolewski said.

“When the assistant realised something was not right, she rushed to the restaurant and spoke to me but when I returned the man was running up to his car and they fled.”

His accomplice was the driver of a black Corsa but Mr Sobolewski did not manage to get a description.

“I got in my car and drove back towards Dedham and searched around but they weren’t there.”

Mr Sobolewski added: “It is really devastating. The whole day was ruined.

“If they were travelling around surrounding villages targeting places they could easily have got £500 to £600.”

The Essex Rose tea rooms was also broken into overnight on Saturday.

Staff discovered the crime on Sunday morning.

Wilkin and Sons, which runs the tearoom in High Street, Dedham, said it did not want to provide further details but it was open as usual yesterday.

Police are investigating.

Witnesses should call 101.