Clothing has been stolen from Townrow department store in Braintree High Street this morning.
The suspect caused about £1,500 damage to a door and skylight as they gained entry and left the building.
Officers were called after an alarm was activated shortly after 8am.
He ran off away from the High Street in the direction of the Boars Head pub.
It is not clear what items of clothing were stolen, but they are believed to include branded Superdry clothes.
The suspect is described as white, about 5ft 5ins tall and aged in his 30s.
He was of medium build and wore a balaclava, blue jacket, jeans and trainers.
Officers are appealing for witnesses who were in the area at the time to call Acting Sergeant Tom Bastendorff at Braintree police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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