A THIEF stole electricals from volunteers as they worked in a charity shop.

The man sneaked into the office area at the British Heart Foundation shop in Southernhay, Basildon, and riffled through workers’ handbags.

He took a tablet computer and a Kindle reader.

The thief was captured on the shop’s CCTV. The theft happened on Sunday, at 2.40pm.

Sgt Paul Costin, from the Basildon Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This was a mean crime involving people who were volunteering their time at a charitable organisation.

“I would urge members of the public to bear this in mind if they are offered these items for sale.”

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to contact Basildon police station on 101.