AN AGGRESSIVE crook stole £600 worth of scratch cards from a petrol station, forcing scared shoppers to flee for safety.

The thief targeted the Esso, in Canvey High Street, and snatched the game cards and the display cabinet as scared shoppers fled the scene.

Dramatic CCTV footage shows the man approach the counter whilst carrying snacks in his hands, before pulling out scratch cards and then taking the whole display.

The video also shows a nearby shopper quickly move out of the way.

Owners of the island petrol station are now considering moving the scratch cards from public display.

A store boss, aged 35, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “The guy came in and stole items, and then came back and pulled and stole the scratch cards box.

“It was all worth about £600 and he made a right mess in the shop. We posted about it on Facebook and people have told us they believe he’s done similar things in other shops too.

“If it keeps happening, we will have to move the scratch cards from the till area. The worker was left shaken and worried, and two customers ran away.

“We do get shop lifting here but this is the first time we had this sort of aggression happen here.”

The boss said the team and owners are “just trying to run a business” and have done for about four years, with the majority of customers being very nice and supportive.

The petrol station bosses added: “This is the first time we’ve had an incident this aggressive at the store. I don’t think he is from Canvey or our area.

“We’ve had to report it to the National Lottery who wanted the evidence and the company will look into it.

“We still have to pay for the scratch cards but they will replace the display cabinet.”

He said the owners and team are angry and police are investigating the raid at the petrol station.

Call Essex Police on 101.