Two men are wanted by police after tobacco and alcohol were stolen from two supermarkets in Kent.

Officers have released a CCTV image of men they wish to speak to about the thefts in Ashford and Deal.

At around 4.50pm on Thursday, May 13, two men were reported to have grabbed multiple packets of tobacco and pocketed them while seemingly waiting for their shopping to be scanned by staff.

They then claimed they had to fetch other items, before leaving the Co-op store in Beauchamp Avenue, Deal, with the tobacco, leaving their shopping at the till.

On the same day, at around 6.20pm, two men went into another Co-op store, this time in Kennington, near Ashford, and asked for multiple packets of tobacco from behind the counter.

The pair, who were said to be accompanied by a woman during this incident, then pocketed the packets, and walked out of the store without paying for them.

Two cases of beer were also stolen from the Faversham Road shop.

Officers believe that the two incidents may be linked, and are looking to identify the two people in the CCTV image who may have information to assist with their enquiries.

Anyone with information on either incident or who recognises the men in the picture should call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting 46/81760/21.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or using the online form.

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