A major investigation has been launched after burglars unbolted two safes from a Maldon supermarket and drove them away.
They struck at Budgens in the High Street, breaking in through the front door. Police believe they jemmied the lock to get in some time after 11pm on Wednesday.
They then emptied the shelves of cigarettes before heading for the back of the store, where they unbolted two safes from the floor.
Police believe that the safes were then loaded on to a vehicle at the back of the supermarket, near the White Horse Lane car park, and the burglars made off.
Det Con Clare De'ath, of Maldon police, said: "A large quantity of cigarettes has been taken, although we don't yet know their exact value, and a considerable amount of cash has also been stolen in the safes."
Now police are appealing for help in catching the burglars. Det Con De'ath said: "If anybody has information or saw anyone acting suspiciously at the front or the back of Budgens, we would ask them to get in touch."
You can contact Maldon CID on 01621 852255 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
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