the Rose Hill, St. George's Esso Station.

The heist happened after 8.30 p.m. on Monday and was discovered when the manager returned for work at 6.45 a.m.

It netted cash, papers, and the gross receipts from Monday's business. Eastern CID are investigating the theft.

"Yes, I would like to have it back. This is the first time we've had something like this and I've been here 45 years,'' the manager said.

He added: "There was forced entry at the back through a metal door and a steel gate which is part of the fencing.''