A FAMILY business is latest to have been hit by the town centre crime wave.

Jim Carman and his son own Collectors Cave in Sir Isaac’s Walk in Colchester.

Their shop was targeted by a group who smashed the window and stole mugs, action figures and other comic hero memorabilia.

Over the weekend a number of independent shops were broken into in Eld Lane.

Jim, who opened the family-run business just over a year ago, said it was a shame.

He said: “It was at about 1am on Friday, they took the side window out by kicking it in and leant through the window, taking about £50 worth of stuff.

“The window will cost about £300 to repair as well. They didn’t activate the alarm as they didn’t actually come into the shop.”

The family’s first break-in was about six months ago, when a crook climbed down through the roof and stole the shop’s till float. He was then caught on CCTV eating the staff’s biscuits.

On Friday, it seemed to be a group targeting the shop.

Mr Carman added: “They were seen passing stuff out to other people, there was definitely at least two.

“We have been here about 15 months and we find the area nice, it’s a lovely shopping street but it’s just a shame with all that’s happening.”

“We have taken the hit both times as it’s not worth claiming for the damage on the insurance.

“It’s a lot of hassle to clean up as well, we were told at about 7am on Friday what had happened.

“Its just one of those things.”

Police are aware of the incident. Anyone with information should call 101.