Thieves smashed their way into the Co-op in Canterbury Road, Whitstable in the second burglary in three weeks.

Staff at the store arrived at work this morning to find the front window had been shattered with a plant pot left at the scene.

It is believed the thieves made off with cigarettes but police are yet to confirm.

Police forensic officers are combing the scene and taped off the entrance.

Signs were also placed on cars and a postbox telling shoppers to use the Oxford Street shop as an alternative.

The break-in follows another raid by thieves on Sunday, May 13 when they dodged CCTV cameras to escape with hundreds of pounds worth of cigarettes.

Police are believed to be investigating.