RAIDERS smashed their way into a chemist to steal aftershave.

Burglars forced entry through the front of Boots, Willowdale Centre, Wickford before grabbing what they could.

The store was forced to close for most of Monday.

One shopper from Wickford said: “I went to pick up my prescription from Boots and it was all smashed up and closed.

“They had to give me the prescription through the smashed glass window.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are investigating following a burglary at Boots the Chemist in the Willowdale Centre, Wickford.

“We were called just after 5.15am on Monday following reports four men had broken windows and cleared a shelf of aftershave in the store.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

Details on the value of the aftershave or type of drugs have not been released.

Community leaders have raised concerns following the break-in.

David Harrison, former mayor of Basildon, said: “This is the second break-in in less than a week in Wickford.

“Both incidents have been around the same time.

“I think this just shows that when people want to do these things nowhere is safe.

“I would hope that there is some form of CCTV that police can get and look at as part of their investigations.

“I think it’s a pity that Wickford has been targeted.

“I hope the shop opens as soon as possible and people are able to get their prescriptions as that can cause people problems if they cannot get their prescriptions.”

The Echo reported on Monday how burglars forced entry to the Wickford Co-op Food store, in High Street, at about 4.40am on Friday January 18. E-cigarettes were stolen during the incident.

A spokesman for Boots said: “We can confirm there was a break-in at the Wickford Boots Store and we are cooperating with the police in their investigation.

"At Boots UK we take any theft extremely seriously, and we have a zero tolerance approach to it in our stores. We actively work with the police and local authorities to report these types of offences.”

Anyone with information about the raid is asked to call Essex Police on 101.