THIEVES left empty-handed after a botched ram-raid on a jewellers.

A stolen taxi is believed to have been used to smash into Boreham Christopher jewellers in Dovercourt High Street.

It smashed the window and caused structural damage to the building, but nothing was taken.

A red Ford Transit minibus taxi was later found nearby with considerable damage.

Its rear, side and front were smashed in, writing off the vehicle. It was one of three taxis stolen from Harwich Taxis, in Haven House, Albemarle Street, the same morning.

Sharon Woolley, manager at Boreham Christopher, said: “It is terrible. Everyone is trying to make a go of their business and things like this keep happening.

“All the work we had to do afterwards to fix this is not just a five- minute job.

“There is nothing of any value kept in the shop over night. We have alarms fitted and CCTV cameras, so we hope police can find someone connected to this.”

A black Ford Focus and a blue Vauxhall Astra were also taken from the taxi firm. The vehicles were later located by police after information was received from the public.

Dave Whittam, owner of Harwich Taxis, said: “I will lose business because of this.

“Thankfully we have a lot of taxis, but the minibus jobs are worth a lot of money to me.

“I have passed them on to my friends but, personally, I will lose out. It is very annoying, but we take it on the chin. Unfortunately this is the society we live in.”

Police are investigating the ram-raid using CCTV footage from High Street, and the store. Insp Chris Willis, from Harwich police, said: “The incident was found by police in a patrol car in ther early hours of Friday morning.

“We are increasing police patrols in the area. I am grateful to members of the community who have already come forward with useful information and I urge anyone with information to help.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Harwich police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.