THIEVES smashed their way into a technology repair store in Billericay High Street during an early morning smash-and-grab.

They targeted B Smash Mobile Repair at about 6.35am yesterday morning.

The front door of the shop was smashed, leaving glass covering the floor and the pavement outside.

The crooks also ransacked the store, leaving the shop in a mess.

The owners were forced to close yesterday and took to Facebook to inform their customers.

They said: “Dear customers, our mobile shop bsmash 92a high street will be closed today due to robbery in our shop.

“Some low level people broke in and stole phones.

“The shop will be up and running tomorrow.

“Sorry for inconvenience. Regards bsmash mobile repairs.”

The incident sent shock waves through the community with shoppers also posting online.

One said: “Aww that’s just awful.

“I hope they have culprits on CCTV and they are caught.

“This is not nice to wake up to.”

Another said: “I think it’s disgusting targeting such a small shop, when someone is trying to make a honest living.

“I hope they find out who did this.”

Police are now appealing for witnesses.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We were called to reports of a burglary at a shop in High Street, Billericay at around 6.35am on Monday, January 20.

“Items including a laptop, tablet, mobile phones, and money were taken.

“If you have any information about the incident please call us on 101 quoting incident 128 of 20 January or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”