A landlord is more than £1,000 out of pocket after thieves stole keys to his cars and pub.

The pair of crooks in high visibility jackets got into the Kings Head Pub in High Street, Southminster, in the early hours of Sunday morning and stole keys to the property, as well as keys to the landlord’s van and car.

Landlord Pete Bare, 51, said he was left “frustrated” after the incident, which could cost him up to £1,500.

He said: “This is the second time someone has got into the pub. Last time, someone came in broad daylight and took around £6,000. That money was meant to be holiday pay for all the bar staff.

“I had gone downstairs into the pub and locked the door but while I was down there, they kicked the door down and took it all.

“Thankfully we got it back but I was worried we would not.

“I had to replace that money as it is not their fault that some idiots are breaking into the pub.”

Following the first incident, Mr Bares was forced to step up security inside and outside the pub, installing cameras and a new alarm system.

As a result of the latest break-in, he has had to change the locks on both his vehicles and throughout the building.

The thieves were unable to carry out a full search of the building after the alarm system went off.

Mr Bares added: “I have done everything I can to secure the pub.

“The alarm scared this lot off once it went off.

“It is just annoying and in a lovely village like we have in Southminster it’s frustrating people are doing these things.

“I think where we are in a remote community and there are not many police so thieves feel they can get away with it.

“Police are doing everything they can, but there are just not enough of them”

Police have appealed for information following the incident between 1.45am and 2am on December 16.

A spokesman said: “Anyone with information is asked to call Essex Police on 101 quoting crime reference 42/185009/18 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”