STAFF at a Chinese restaurant chased after thief who snatched cash from the till while ordering food.
A three-figure sum of money was taken from the till of Tasty Chinese in Springfield Road at around 8.45pm last night.
A man placed an order for food and then snatched the money while the member of staff was in the kitchen.
He then made off along Boswells Drive, being chased by staff, before escaping through a garden.
The suspect is described as white, aged in his early twenties and around 6ft tall. He has a slim build and was wearing a black jacket and grey scarf.
Investigating officer, PC Graham Thomas, said: "I am appealing for the man involved in this theft to come forward as I will be following all lines of enquiry to find him.
"I would also like to remind all businesses to be vigilant in regards to this type of crime."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC Thomas at Chelmsford Police station on 101.
People can also give information to the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
