THIEVES slashed the tyres on a man’s car and then stole £37,000 of jewellery from the boot while he went to get help.

The bizarre theft happened at the grey Peugeot 208 car was parked outside the Lon Wah Restaurant in London Road, Wickford.

The owner returned to their car at about 6pm to find a tyre had been slashed.

He put his bag, containing the jewellery, into the car and then went to get help and report the damage.

While he was away from the car it was broken into and the jewellery, which was from his business, was stolen.

The incident happened on Wednesday, August 27 however Essex Police only told the Echo about the theft this afternoon.

They say enquiries have so far identified at least four people who were involved in causing the initial damage to the car and then the actual theft of the jewellery. Police suspect the car was deliberately targeted with the aim of then carrying out the theft.

Officers believe they have now isolated images of two of the four suspects from CCTV in Wickford High Street.

Anyone who recognises either of these two is asked to call Pc Susan Payne at Basildon Police Station on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.