MASKED men raiders stole thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes after breaking into a Malmesbury supermarket.

A gang of thieves wearing hoods and balaclavas forced their way into Waitrose before making off with two trolleys full of cigarettes, last Tuesday, at about 4am.

Four men are believed to be involved and made off in a dark hatchback.

Resident Paul Rowley was concerned at the news. He said: “No doubt a domestic burglary is more personally affecting than one on a large commercial business, but this is Malmesbury, a safe town. And the idea of a gang of thieves operating here, whether on domestic or commercial targets, is something I find appalling.

"I think lack of community makes a town a target. Knowing that alarms will be ignored, suspicious vehicles ignored and witnesses will turn the other way makes an area a target.

“The reverse will send the thieves to areas where curtains stay closed no matter what is happening outside the door.”

Sam Brooks from Sherston spoke out in support of the police for their fast response.

He said: “The police took approximately 10 minutes to arrive on scene, which is lucky considering how overstretched they are. This was a prompt response which should be commended but the police do rely on us residents coming forward with any information.”

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said that their enquiries were ongoing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be left anonymously.