In a brazen act of festive-season criminality, two thieves were caught on camera singing the Christmas classic 'Santa Baby' while ransacking a family-run convenience store. The shocking incident has left a local Essex community reeling and police hunting for the culprits.
The Brazen Festive Raid
The crime unfolded at the One Stop Express convenience store on London Road in Benfleet, Essex. The store's owner, 52-year-old Jayesh Patel, revealed the pair entered his shop just before 9:30 PM on a Friday evening. While one suspect engaged Mr Patel at the counter, the other seized the opportunity to pilfer goods from the shelves behind him.
In a bizarre and audacious twist, the entire theft was soundtracked by the suspects themselves. CCTV footage from the store clearly captures the two men singing lines from Eartha Kitt's 'Santa Baby' as they carried out their crime. "Hurry down the chimney tonight," one can be heard singing, displaying a chilling lack of remorse for their actions.
A Family Business Targeted
For Jayesh Patel, who has run the store with his family for over 15 years, the incident was particularly distressing. He described the thieves as "confident" and calculated, noting their use of distraction tactics. The stolen items included multiple bottles of spirits and other high-value goods, representing a significant loss for the independent retailer.
"It's not the Christmas spirit," Mr Patel stated bluntly, summing up the community's disgust at the timing and nature of the crime. The event has cast a shadow over what should be a busy and prosperous period for small businesses.
Police Investigation and Community Impact
Essex Police have launched an investigation and are appealing to the public for information. Authorities are keen to identify the two individuals captured on film. The force has confirmed they are treating the incident as a distraction theft, a tactic often used by organised shoplifting groups.
This robbery is not an isolated event. Mr Patel reported that his store has been targeted multiple times in recent months, reflecting a worrying trend affecting retailers across the UK, especially in the run-up to Christmas. The incident highlights the growing challenges faced by small, family-run businesses dealing with crime and the financial and emotional toll it takes.
The local community in Benfleet has expressed solidarity with the Patel family. The audacity of the thieves, openly singing a Christmas song while stealing, has been met with widespread condemnation. As the police search continues, residents and business owners are urged to remain vigilant.
