POLICE are on the hunt for three men who stole over £100 from a Chinese takeaway in Romsey.

Staff at Chef Peking, Winchester Road, were taken by surprise when one of the men jumped onto the counter and stole the till containing "several hundred pounds".

Now residents have hit out at the "thoughtless thieves" who burgled the takeaway on Thursday, January 16, between 9.15pm and 10.44pm.

Cllr Nick Adams-King, who represents Blackwater on the borough council, said: "There has been a spate of robberies at cafes and restaurants recently, such as at the The Water Garden Cafe, which is a terrible shame when I know so many of the businesses are working really hard to survive and things are tough for them.

"I know the police always prioritise things like burglaries and I hope they will, because its is so important for to these businesses.

"I have owned a restaurant myself and we were burgled, which was a real pain because the insurance does not always cover you for what you have lost."

He added: "It has a big impact on your cash flow, so these opportunistic and thoughtless thieves can have a huge impact on people's business."

Cllr Mark Cooper, who represents Romsey Tadburn on the borough council, said: "It is a very traumatic time for the owner of the business and I hope the police can find the culprits quickly."

Another resident said: "Not another shop; that's the third this week I have heard about.

"First the Hog Shack in Eastleigh then World of Water and now Chef Peking.

"Please be careful and take your takings home or to the bank."

A spokesperson from Hampshire police told the Advertiser "several hundred pounds" were stolen from the Chinese takeaway.

They added: "Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting the crime reference number 44200020540.

"Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously."

Chef Peking has been contacted for comment.