THIEVES smashed their way into a village post office to steal a charity collection box.

The crooks used a crowbar to break into Elmstead Market Post Office, which is behind FV Conservatories, in Colchester Road.

Owners Ellen and Jason Curtis had initially thought nothing was taken, but Essex Police has now confirmed a collection box was stolen.

The burglary took place overnight on November 6-7.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact PC Jamie Welsh at Clacton police on 101.