TWO burglaries early on Tuesday at separate shops in Medway are being linked by detectives.

Officers are appealing for witnesses after linking the two thefts which occurred just a short distance from each other.

The first burglary happened at the Co-op Stores, Borstal Street, Rochester, between 12.25am and 12.31am. Officers think three or four people broke into the store via the front door.

A spokesman for Medway Police said: “They stole a number of boxes before getting back into what is believed to be a black L-registered Vauxhall Astra.

“The car drove off at speed and without any lights on, up Borstal Street heading towards Rochester.”

The second burglary took place at the Ace Wine Stores at Glanville Road, Strood, at about 3.30am.

The spokesman added: “The offenders used their car again, a black L-registration Vauxhall Astra, to pull the shutters away from the front of the store in order to gain entry."

The till, which has not yet been recovered, and a quantity of cigarettes were taken from the shop. The car was then driven off, at speed, and turned into nearby Bryant Road.

The driver of the car is described as 6ft and of mixed origin.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Medway Police on 01634 884138 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.