RAIDERS broke into a dental clinic, twice in three weeks, but only managed to escape with an empty money box.

These were two in a spate of business burglaries across Basildon in recent weeks, it has been revealed.

Great Knightleys Dental Surgery, based in Great Knightleys, was targeted by burglars, who forced open a window at the side of the premises.

It was first raided during the night of Tuesday, January 24, and staff returned to work to find the place ransacked.

However, the only thing stolen was a cash box, which was empty save for a collection of receipts.

The surgery was raided again sometime between Saturday, February 11 and Monday, February 13 but this time nothing was taken.

A spokesman for the surgery it was “disheartening” to find that the burglars had broken in again and they had now beefed up their security.

PC Marek Jaworski, from Basildon’s community policing team, said: “Somebody has jemmied open a window.

“On the first occasion, all they have taken was a money box and on the second occasion, they haven’t taken anything.

“They have just carried out a messy search of the area.

“Crime scene investigators were sent to the scene and forensics have been recovered.”

Thieves also targeted the wedding venue Friern Manor, in Lower Dunton Road, Dunton, by entering through an unlocked door in the function suite.

Mr Jaworski added: “The suspect made his way from the function suite, through the hotel and tried to break into the a pay phone in the hotel.

“They have then gone into a marquee at the back and removed a box containing about £80 in cash.”

The theft happened between 2am and 2.45am on Friday, February 10.

Also on the same night, suspects tried to get inside Clayhill Road Pharmacy, Clay Hill Road. They were unsuccessful and nothing was stolen.

Police are currently investigating whether the burglaries are linked.

Anyone with information about who the people responsible are should contact the Basildon community policing team on 101.

Alternatively, they can call crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org