A 'PEACEFUL' area in the town has been hit twice by crooks in a matter of days.

A burglar stole the float money from the till, which had been left open at Dickens in The Causeway, Halstead.

The burglar placed the till on the table and took the float- nothing else was stolen and there was no damage caused.

It happened between 5pm on May 28 and noon on May 30.

An attempted burglary had also taken place in The Causeway on May 28.

The burglar attempted to get inside one of the buildings by smashing the back window, but they did not manage to gain entry or take anything.

Nichola Sparkes, who works for the Royal British Legion across the road, said she was in shock.

She said: "It's lovely round there as far as I've seen. I am in shock as we never have any trouble."

Jackie Pell, town councillor, said it was a shame such a nice area had been targeted.

She said: "They are just trying to make an honest living there. A few more people need to invest in CCTV cameras, it's what we call a peaceful area and everyone works very hard at The Causeway.

"Sometimes things like this can push people over the edge."

Halstead Chamber of Commerce recently called for more support from businesses to help tackle crime.

A Shop Watch scheme had been requested by some Halstead retailers.The scheme, proposed by Karen Clarke who owns Just for Men Barbers in the town centre, would involve businesses meeting to warn each other of crime.

Dickens restaurant was contacted but they did not wish to comment.

Anyone with information can contact Braintree Police on 101.