Detectives believe professional thieves were responsible for an "industrial heist" in which £60,000 worth of specialist printing equipment was stolen.

Thieves broke into printing firm White's Limited in Progress Road, Eastwood, and stole photographic and lithographic plates, chemicals and computers.

Officers believe the items would only be of value to someone with specialist knowledge and £1million worth of other equipment.

Det Con Rick Ashton, of Southend police, said it was not an opportunist theft and it was likely another similar business was in possession of the equipment.

If you can help, call police on 01702 423141.

Published Wednesday April 14, 2004

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