Boxing day burglars strike food shops

Burglars smashed their way into three food stores early on Boxing Day morning stealing cigarettes and money from the tills.

The front doors of Tesco Express, in Horley, Morrisons, in Caterham and Co-Op in Woodhatch, were raided in the string of burglaries just after 3am on Friday.

Police believe the incidents are linked.

The first raid took place at Tesco, in Brighton Road, Horley, after thieves shattered the front door, ran into the shop and raided the tills.

A spokesman for Surrey Police could not confirm the exact amount stolen but it is believed to be less than £500.

The burglars then targeted Co-Op in Western Parade, Woodhatch, and smashed their way into the shop.

However, Surrey Police has confirmed the burglars were unable to loot the cigarette counter and left empty-handed.

The final target was Morrisons, in Church Walk, Caterham, where thieves gained entry after shattering a bottom panel in the front door.

They made off with a bundle of cigarettes. The amount is not yet known.

A spokesman for Morrisons said: "They got us in the early hours on Boxing Day. They smashed one of the panels in our front door."

A spokesman for Surrey Police said the burglars had fled the scene before they arrived, but they are investigating the incidents.

Co-Op food stores in the area have also been targeted by burglars in the past few weeks but police have not confirmed whether these thefts were linked to the Boxing Day incidents.

On November 28 three men forced their way into the Co-Op store in High Street, Lingfield, and stole packets of cigarettes.

The goods were loaded into a silver vehicle, but several packets were recovered on the roadside.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Neil Miller, said at the time: "We are working hard to specifically target burglars and handlers of stolen goods."

On December 15, four suspects forced entry into the Co-Op in Allingham Road, Reigate, using a garden fork and stole approximately £2,000 of cigarettes.

Anyone with information regarding these burglaries should contact Surrey Police on 0845 1252222.