CROOKS who stole a Mercedes from its owner’s driveway are being hunted by the police.

CCTV footage, shared with the Gazette, shows three men approach the vehicle in Monarch Lane, Great Horkesley, in the early hours of Wednesday.

The trio, who dressed in all black and wore caps and face coverings to conceal their identities, arrived in the residential street shortly before 3.50am.

The footage shows one open the car door while the others keep lookout, before he gets in and manages to start the vehicle and pull away.

Gazette: Break in - one of the thieves gains access to the Mercedes as another stands guardBreak in - one of the thieves gains access to the Mercedes as another stands guard (Image: Newsquest)

The brazen theft took just four minutes from start to finish while the victims slept just metres away.

Essex Police is now appealing for any information to be delivered to its officers.

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A spokesman said: “We responded to reports a car had been taken from the driveway of a home in Monarch Lane, Great Horkesley, shortly after 3.40am on Tuesday.

“The car taken was a Mercedes C250, partial index EF17.

Gazette: Escape - the car is driven away from the sceneEscape - the car is driven away from the scene (Image: Newsquest)

“We need anyone with information or footage to come forward.”

It came before the chief constable of Essex Police revealed there has been an increase in vehicle crime across the county.

Read more: Police boss warns Colchester troublemakers to 'wind their neck in' on nights out

Ben-Julian Harrington said “lots of work” is being done but officers have to prioritise “physically serious crimes”.

He said: “Please keep reporting the matters to us. I can’t promise you will get an emergency, blue light response as unfortunately that would be unrealistic but we will look into it.”

Gazette: Concern - Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said vehicle crime has increased across EssexConcern - Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said vehicle crime has increased across Essex (Image: PA Media)

Figures provided to the Gazette reveal Essex Police’s Stolen Vehicle Intelligence Unit recovered 626 stolen vehicles and parts last year, worth £14 million.

Mr Harrington added: “We are doing lots of work around vehicle crime and we do recognise there has been an increase in vehicle crime in Essex.”

Anyone with information which could assist the police is asked to call 101 and quote reference number 42/74800/23.

Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made via Crimestoppers by visiting its website or calling 0800 555 111.

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