SHOP bosses say they have been repeatedly targeted by 'nuisance' yobs stealing sweets and alcohol. 

Mamma’s International Food Store, in Westgate Park, Basildon, has been the victim of shoplift attempts in recent days. 

It comes after CCTV footage uploaded to Facebook last month showed a group of kids kicking down the door and girls running out after they were "locked inside and accused of shoplifting".

Since then the shop has been the victim of two further shoplifting incidents. 

A spokesperson for Mamma’s International Food Store said: “On July 19, two girls came into the shop, took sweets and ran away.

“They came again yesterday [July 23], was trying to steal alcohol, staff spotted them and asked the kids to get out.

“They came back after two hours [at about 6.15pm] with more children, kept door open and stole more sweets.”

They added that both incidents have been reported to police.

Kevin Blake, deputy leader of Basildon Council, said: “I will look into this incident and see if we can do a community event in Westgate to see if we can generate awareness.

“However, people need to report these issues when they happen so we can prevent it in the future.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: "We have received an allegation of three young people causing a nuisance at a store at Westgate Park, Basildon, at around 6.10pm on Sunday 23 July.

"The caller informed us they had already left the store.

"We will investigate to establish if any offences have been committed."

On June 15, owners took to social media to claim a group attempted to steal alcohol from the shop.

Police launched an investigation and were trying to pinpoint 13 young people who were involved in the incident.

A spokesman for the force previously said: “A group of 13 people went into a store in Westgate Park at 7.10pm on Thursday, June 15.

“Alcohol was stolen, and damage was caused.

“If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.”

Anyone with information can submit a report by visiting: essex.police.uk/digital101.

Alternatively, you can call Essex Police by dialling 101 or make an anonymous report by contacting Crimestoppers via their website or on 0800 555 111.