CCTV taken from McColl's newsagents in Meopham on January 25

Jamie Bullen

This is the dramatic moment when thieves raided a shop to steal thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes.

Detectives believe the burglars have targeted 15 shops since January and fear there may be more.

Now they have released CCTV pictures from some of the numerous thefts at newsagents and supermarkets in the hope someone will come forward with some vital information.

So far, no arrests have been made but officers believe the pictures may lead to a breakthrough in the investigation.

Seven newsagents and supermarkets have been targeted in Gravesham and Dartford alone with at least £18,000 worth of cigarettes stolen during the raids.

DC Nick Whiteoak said: "We would urge the public to help us find these burglars who have caused a lot of harm and damage to a number of innocent shopkeepers; the sooner we can get them off the streets the better."

For full story read this week's Gravesend or Dartford Messenger out on Thursday.