CROOKS riding mopeds smashed into a flagship department store for the second time in a matter of months.

The burglars destroyed the front window of Fenwick in Colchester High Street at 3.05am yesterday.

It is believed they used a large concrete slab in the smash and grab.

They then grabbed a number of items which were on display in the window.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “It was reported a number of people broke a window at Fenwick’s on the High Street at 3.05am on Thursday.

“A number of items were taken and the people left on mopeds.

“Our investigations are ongoing.

“If you saw or heard anything, were driving in the area and have dash cam footage, or have any other information please call us on 101 quoting incident 84 of September 6.

“Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Shattered glass was seen by people walking through the High Street yesterday.

Police had set up a cordon and officers remained on the scene as the investigation into the burglary continued.

In April, raiders on motorbikes arrived outside the store and smashed the front window with a sledgehammer.

On that occasion the burglars got a way with 25 Mulberry, one DKNY and two Hill and Friends handbags.

The haul was estimated to be worth more than £10,000.

Town centre businesses have been plagued by a series of shops raids within the last two months.

More than 20 shops, restaurants and other firms have been targeted with police in Colchester launching a specialist initiative called Operation Ohio in a bid to catch the culprits.

So far, 11 people have been arrested including drug addict John Birch who was jailed for 11 months for smashing into Fone World in Culver Street West and taking bluetooth speakers.

The 40-year-old had previously been given a suspended sentence for a break in at The Entertainer.

Earlier this week it was announced Fenwick was planning to axe 421 jobs nationwide in a cost cutting measure after a significant dip in pre-tax profits.

It has not been revealed how the shakeup will impact on staff working in Colchester.