A MINDLESS thief has been slammed for putting animals at risk as he smashed his way into a pet shop.

The owners of Wagtails Pet Shop, in High Road, Benfleet, found the shop boarded up yesterday morning after it was targeted at 9.25pm on Tuesday night.

CCTV footage from a neighbouring business shows a man on a bike cycle up to the shop, before throwing a rock through the door and stealing four charity collection tins from inside.

The collection tins contained at least £100 but staff were most upset at the animals, namely a collection of Syrian hamsters, being put at risk.

Police attended and boarded up the door, but it was not fixed closed.

Melinda Silk, who has worked at the shop for 10 years, said: “It is really upsetting in all honesty.

“Someone got here at 8.30am yesterday morning and noticed police had been here and boarded up the shop and put an incident number through the door.

“Next door have CCTV and we have a video of him throwing a rock through the door and smashing it.

“It is very upsetting to watch the footage.

“The damage is bad, as is stealing charity collection tins, but the door had been left wide open.

“We are more angry and upset about the animals being left at risk, anything could have happened over night.

“Anyone else could have walked in and stolen them, or any animal like a fox could have got in then this would be so much worse.”

None of the animals were harmed during the incident, but Melinda admitted they were probably left shaken by the overnight ordeal.

The stolen charity tins were raising money for Greek Dogs Abroad, the Guide Dogs Association, Cats Protection, and Basildon based charity Maggie’s Pet Rescue and Re-homing Service.

It is believed the charity tins would have contained at least £100 between them.

Essex Police failed to reply for the Echo’s request for comment.

Call 101 with information.