SMASH and grab raiders left a business owner brassed off after stealing £15,000 worth of stock.

Meditech, on Bluebridge Industrial Estate, was raided as thieves used a sledgehammer to break down a rear door, before stealing hundreds of brass bars.

Thieves arrived in a black Ford Transit van, as well as a Mondeo ST200, before breaking down the door and loading the van with the expensive bars.

Meditech managing director, Chris Buckenham, is urging residents to keep an eye out for both vehicles.

The crooks used false licence plates during the incident.

He said: “It is hugely frustrating, and has been a nightmare.

“After the last incident, we installed all this high-tech expensive CCTV and it has made no difference, all they have done is swear at the camera as they leave.

“It is a hazard of being on an industrial estate, and you expect it a little, but this is getting silly now.

“I think they must be locals, they seem to know the area well enough that they knew they could take five minutes to break through the door and still get away.

“You just hope someone recognises these cars, and we can stop this happening again.”

The medical equipment manufacturers have been targeted twice in six months, and with other business falling victim as well, concerns have been raised over the safety of the site.

Chris added: “This is becoming far too regular on the industrial estate and something needs to be done.

“Anyone can drive in and out of the estate all day and night and assess the area.

“There are a lot of big business around here with a lot of value and they are all concerned.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police are appealing for information following a break in at a property on Fifth Avenue, Halstead, just before 10pm on Wednesday, June 14.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact PC James Vandecar at Braintree Police Station on 101"