THIEVES are believed to have made off with a haul of cigarettes after smashing their way into the Co-op in Highworth in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Police were called to Brewery Street at around 1am after being alerted by the alarm system being triggered.

Upon arrival, officers found a front window had been smashed and packets of cigarettes were found strewn outside. It is believed a quantity of cigarettes or tobacco was stolen during the raid.

Enquiries are ongoing in the area, and police are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything suspicious.

The shop was boarded up but reopened for business after forensic examinations were conducted at the scene throughout the morning.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “Wiltshire Police were called at 1am this morning to the Co-operative in Highworth, after an alarm was set off inside. When officers arrived on scene they found a smashed window and cigarettes thrown outside.

“It is believed cigarettes were stolen during the break-in. Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area.”

The post office facility was only opened last week after an on-going saga over a relocation.

In November, when it became clear the old branch in Sheep Street was be to moved, more than 280 people objected to plans for a new facility at the Budgens store in Swindon Road.

There followed a fiery exchange of letters, protests and signatures fighting for where the branch would end up, and Midcounties Cooperative finally took it on.

Clare Downs, head of post offices and services at Midcounties Co-operative, said upon the opening: “As a community retailer and based in the heart of Highworth, we are pleased to be welcoming members and customers to our new post office branch.”

Anyone with any information on the incident should call Wiltshire Police via non-emergency number 101 or alternatively Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where information can be left anonymously.