Police are chasing a group suspected of stealing hundreds of books of Lego from a toy store – just a month after a similar raid in Kent.
Detectives searched for three women dressed in denim shorts who carried off £700 worth of building blocks in Broadstairs.
But the search has now reportedly been widened following reports that a similar incident has taken place, this time with twice the spoils in neighboring Essex.
CCTV footage has emerged of two women, again wearing hot shorts, and a man entering a toy store in Lakeside on October 5.
Footage shows a woman in her 20s in brown shorts and a cream jacket carrying a large box out of the store, apparently without having paid for the goods.
A man of the same age with dark hair and a mustache and wearing a black striped sweater can be seen in another photo carrying another box, also believed to have been stolen.
A third suspect was captured by security cameras wearing an orange top, cream jacket and frayed denim shorts.
Some Lego products can sell for hundreds of dollars – models of the Titanic, the Colosseum and the Star Wars spaceship, the Millennium Falcon are among the most expensive sets.
Together, the two Lego sets believed to have been stolen from the Smyths Toys store, in West Thurrock, Essex, are worth £1,400.
Kent and Essex Police are reportedly working together to identify the suspects and are asking anyone with information to make contact immediately.
The alleged theft in Essex follows the Broadstairs incident on September 2.
CCTV footage taken from the first store shows three women with ponytails wearing hot denim pants.
At the time, a spokesman for Kent Police said: “We are investigating the theft of high value goods from a shop in Broadstairs.
“Two large Lego sets were stolen from a commercial premises in a business park in Margate Road.
“We are now able to release CCTV footage of three women who we would like to identify and speak to as they may have information which could assist investigations.”
Anyone who can identify those pictured is asked to call detectives on 01843 222289, quoting reference number 46/172744/22.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “We are looking to identify the people in this CCTV footage, who we want to speak to in this investigation.
“If you know who they are or have any information that could help you, please contact us.”