A FAMILY-owned hotel is offering a reward of a night in luxury for information which will lead to the arrest of two thieves who snatched a safe in a brazen day-time raid.

Nick Wildman, general manager at The George Hotel, in High Street, Colchester, is appealing for help to identify two people captured on CCTV at the time of the burglary who may be able to help with the police investigation.

A safe containing cash takings from the day was stolen from the hotel’s office while renovation work was taking place at about 5pm on Saturday, June 12.

Mr Wildman said: “We really want to help the police catch the thieves and bring them to account so we are offering a reward.

“We will offer a luxury stay with us at The George, dinner, bed and breakfast and a stay in one of our suites, for someone who brings the evidence which will get the culprits convicted.

“We really are counting on our community to bring them to justice.

“Luckily enough, most people are paying by credit cards these days so they didn’t get away with too much, but after we have spent over 12 months closed with coronavirus, renovations along with investing over £10 million into our hotel, it’s shocking how low people can stoop.

“We are a family-owned business and truly hope the community can help us.”

Officers are continuing to investigate and would like to speak to the two men pictured in connection with the incident.

Gazette: Police appeal: Officers want to speak to the two men picturedPolice appeal: Officers want to speak to the two men pictured

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Officers are continuing to investigate the incident but would like to speak to these to men in connection with the burglary.

“One is described as white and wore a navy Superdry hoodie with orange and grey writing on the front, grey tracksuit bottoms, black boots, a red hat and a blue and white face mask.

“The second man is also white, bald, around 5ft 10ins tall and was wearing a navy tracksuit with white markings and grey and white trainers.

“Both men were seen in the area of the hotel and to walk in the direction of Maidenborough Street.”

Anyone with information about the incident can call 101 quoting crime reference number 42/113115/21.