Four thieves “terrified” staff in a high street shop as they “smashed displays" to nab  mobile phones.

Essex Police confirmed they are investigating reports of criminal damage and the theft of three mobile phones from a High Street Shop in Loughton.

A passer-by, who photographed the theft, said that four men “terrified staff, smashed the display panel, and ran off with phones” at the Vodafone store on October 17 at 11.30am.

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The men could be seen wearing similar dark jackets and stomping on a display panel together in the doorway of the Loughton shop.

In another picture, taken after the attack, broken parts of signage and displays were left strewn on the floor and blocking the door.

This Is Local London: Damage at Loughton High Street Vodafone Damage at Loughton High Street Vodafone (Image: Anonymous)

Any information can be reported to police by calling 101 quoting crime reference: 42/259329/22