POLICE in Wiltshire are appealing for information about a criminal group that has pulled off several early-morning cigarette raids across the county.

The same group of four or five men is thought to have carried out the eight burglaries which have resulted in the loss of thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes.  

The offenders, who are all believed to be white men, wear balaclavas or scarves covering their faces.

The burglaries began on the November 30 at Woodborough Social Club, Pewsey, when the group cut through a barbed wire fence and used a crowbar to open the front door.

On December 1 at 2.37am, the Co-op in Oxford Street, Aldbourne, had its front door broken in and the burglars filled large builder’s bags with cigarettes.  

An hour later the Co-op in Borough, Downton, was also hit.

Then, at 12.21am on December 5, offenders broke the metal shutters at Budgens, Hertford Road, Marlborough, before leaving the scene in an Audi.

The Co-op in Oxford Street, Aldbourne was burgled again on January 5, a large quantity of cigarettes were stolen.  

On January 26 at approximately 1.30am, the McColls in Wroughton was burgled for cigarettes and alcohol. Police believe four to six men were involved.

Just before midnight on January 31, cigarettes, tobacco and a safe were stolen from the Shell Countess Services in Amesbury; the safe has since been recovered.

At approximately 12.30am on February 2, the Spar in Collingbourne Duci was burgled by three men who stole a large number of cigarettes from behind the counter.

In each case the men spent no more than five minutes in the store.

The vehicles used, often Mercedes or Audis, are believed to have been stolen.

Similar incidents have been reported by neighbouring police forces, including Thames Valley, Hampshire and Avon & Somerset.

Kev Golledge, of Melksham CID, said: “Since November we have had a number of very similar incidents at shops and petrol stations across the county. All incidents have happened in the early hours of the morning, and usually involves a group of approximately four to five men, wearing balaclavas or scarves to cover their faces.

"We would urge shopkeepers to be mindful about the amount of cigarettes they leave in-store overnight. We are also appealing for anyone who has any information on any of these incidents to contact us immediately via 101.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously.