A thief who stuffed £6,000 of porcelain figurines into pillowcases and simply walked off down the road was yesterday being hunted by police.

Detectives can't believe no-one saw the man as he made off with his booty after breaking into a house in Victoria Avenue, Rayleigh, in broad daylight.

The thief got inside by forcing a back door. He then collected 19 figurines from around the house and loaded them into pillowcases and carrier bags.

Police officers say he then stepped out of the front door and disappeared unseen.

Det Con John Warne at Rayleigh CID believes someone must have seen the man. He said: "It was the middle of the day and the house is right on the busy junction with London Road.

"A man carrying bulging pillowcases along a street in broad daylight must have raised someone's suspicions."

Detectives believe the thief may have had a car parked nearby. The incident happened at lunchtime on Wednesday.

If you can help call Det Con Warne on 01268 775533 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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