THIEVES smashed their way into a kiosk at Benfleet railway station.

Staff arrived at work to find a safe had been stolen and a container full of loose change.

It happened between 3.10 am and 3.30am on Tuesday, November 15 and British Transport Police are now investigating.

They believed two people were involved in the break-in.

Det Con David Bishop, the investigating officer, said: ““We believe they made off along the London-bound platform with a small safe and a container full of loose change.

“When staff arrived on Wednesday morning to open the kiosk, they noticed the security grill had been broken and the door was forced open.”

Officers have made local enquiries, spoken to station staff and reviewed CCTV but have so far been unable to identify those responsible.

DC Bishop added: “This is criminal behaviour and it’s imperative that we catch the people responsible.

“I am appealing to anyone was in the area close to the station or who saw anything suspicious to contact police.”

Anyone with information can call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B15/LNA of 18/11/2011. Or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.