Shocking moment two crooks brazenly steal cigarettes from Co-op store on another day in Wild West Britain - as police hunt shoplifters

This is the shocking moment two crooks brazenly stole cigarettes from a Co-op store in yet another day in Wild West Britain.

The apparent burglary was captured on video at the store on a busy high street in Leigh, in the city of Southend-on-Sea, on Friday at around 12pm.

The two alleged thieves, who have their faces covered in masks, are seen walking around behind the counter and filling up bags of cigarettes before casually walking out.

One witness, who wished to remain anonymous, told the local newspaper the Southend Echo they did not hear any sort of 'commotion' or shouting and called the experience 'surreal'.

While walking down the shop's final aisle, the witness noticed other shoppers were waiting at the cashier's till to pay for their goods.

The witness claims the masked men pushed past others waiting in the queue and went behind the counter. 

Staff members then stood to one side to avoid the risk of getting hurt.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: 'We're investigating a burglary at a business premises in Leigh Road, Leigh. When one suspect asked a member of staff to get something, he went behind the counter and gathered a quantity of cigarettes.

'He was then helped by the second man to load the cigarettes into a bag. Both men then left the shop.'

The force have described the first man as white, of medium build and approximately 5ft 10ins tall. He was wearing a black hooded Nike hooded top with grey sleeves and black tracksuit bottoms and grey shoes.

The second person is described as black, of slim build, and was wearing a black puffer coat with its hood up. He also had a black backpack and black tracksuit bottoms on.

Police have not yet made any arrests but their investigation is ongoing.

Members of the public with any information have been told to call the police on 101 and cite the crime reference 42/50366/24. 

Co-op has been contacted for comment.