THIEVES made off with a Thomas the Tank Engine children’s ride from the front of Tesco’s in Pitsea.

The ride was taken by the crooks on August 13, sometime between 11.10am and 1.45pm.

Pc Paul Hogben said: “Someone must have seen Thomas being "abducted" and probably thought it was officially being removed, however it was not."

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Pc Hogben at Basildon police station on 101.