A shop manager has told how steps are being taken to increase security at the site after hooded raiders robbed her store.

Devastated - manager Elaine Manley, with the empty safe after the raid on the Drinks Cabin off-licence in Clacton. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN 40761-4

Elaine Manley has managed the Drinks Cabin off-licence in St Osyth Road, Clacton, for the past three years but was not on duty at the time.

A 28-year-old member of staff, who has only been employed for the past couple of weeks, discovered the raiders in a back office and was forced into a storeroom.

She was left locked up there for 45 minutes while the robbers then searched the shop and made off with thousands of pounds in cash and stamps. The assistant was not hurt but was shocked and upset following her terrifying ordeal.

Mrs Manley said: "We have had the odd brick through the shop window in the past but nothing as serious as this," she added.

"We will now be looking at ways to step up security at the site."

Published Wednesday, February 2, 2005

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