A SHOWROOM was trashed by thieves who stole a car and all the keys to another 18 vehicles.

Two men smashed their way into Hadleigh Garage during the early hours of Monday but were disturbed after a neighbour spotted them and called the police.

Steve Baker, owner of the garage in Leigh Road, said: “Two guys on a moped were seen by a neighbours smashing their way in.

“They broke the locks on the front gate and smashed in the office door and workshop door, before breaking up.

“They stole a Ford Focus ST and all 18 keys to the rest of the cars.

“I was woken up by the police around 3am who told me what had happened and I went straight down there to make it secure.

“It’s frustrating.

“A similar incident happened once three years ago.

“I am waiting to hear back from my insurance company but I have had to fix the damage and secure the place.

“I’m not selling anything at the moment because I haven’t got any keys.

“One car key costs around £300.”

Mr Baker, who has owned the car garage for 12 years, had the Ford Focus ST up for sale at £5,995.

He says although police are lacking resources, they are doing all they can including trying to obtain CCTV footage in a bid to catch those responsible.

A spokesman for Essex Police, said: “We were called around 2.40am on Monday, March 19, with reports of a burglary at a business in Leigh.

“It was reported that entry was forced into a car garage on Leigh Road and a Black Ford Focus ST was stolen along with keys to a number of other vehicles.

“The Focus is believed to have been driven off towards the seafront.

“Anyone with information or who saw any suspicious behaviour in the area is asked to contact Southend Local Policing team on 101, quoting reference 42/42416/19.”

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org