A SECOND raid by cigarette thieves on shops in the Devizes area has led to police investigating if a gang who is targetting small stores is on the prowl.

Last week the Gazette reported that thousands of pounds of cigarettes were taken from Hillworth Stores, Devizes on February 13 but now police have revealed that the Co-operative in High Street, Market Lavington, was hit the night before.

Thieves struck there are 11.40pm on Sunday, February 12, and smashed the door down before escaping with a large quantity of cigarettes again worth thousands of pounds.

Other items in the shop were also damaged before the gang left in a dark-coloured car.

PC Michelle Haley said: “We are keeping an open mind as to whether these incidents are linked and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish who is responsible.

“As well as the theft of cigarettes, damage was caused to the doors of the premises, and items inside the store were overturned and damaged during the incidents.

“I’d like to issue an appeal to anyone who may have witnessed either incident, or anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area of either store immediately prior to the offence, or after.

“Also, I would like to hear from you if you are aware of anybody offering cheap cigarettes for sale.

"It is possible that these cigarettes have been obtained through criminal activity and you may have information which could help with our enquiries.”