Series of break-ins at local shops prompts police appeal

Police are urging residents to check their CCTV and doorbell cameras after a series of burglaries and attempted break-ins at shops across North Devon.

Police told the Gazette that four businesses in Great Torrington, South Molton, and Umberleigh were targeted between 22 February and 23 February, with cigarettes and vapes stolen from two premises while unsuccessful attempts were made to enter the others.

The first incident took place at M&S Simply Food at Barley Grove Service Station in Great Torrington, where three suspects smashed a window between 12.20am and 12.30am on 22 February but fled when it failed to break.

Just hours later, at 2.20am, Morrisons Daily on New Road was broken into. 

Three suspects forced entry through a smashed window and made off with a quantity of tobacco and vapes in a dumpy bag.

At 12.50am, an attempted burglary was reported at Fishleigh Rock Garage in Umberleigh. Three men tried to force open a shutter door but were unable to gain entry. 

The suspects, all wearing face coverings and hooded tops, included one man in white trainers.

On 23 February at 1.45am, burglars smashed a window at Spar Stores in Broad Street, South Molton, before ransacking the shop for alcohol and tobacco. 

Three male suspects were seen fleeing down the alleyway towards the pannier market, all dressed in black, with one carrying a floral-patterned bag.

Police are investigating all four incidents and are urging anyone with information or CCTV footage to come forward.

Anyone who can assist the investigation is asked to contact police online or call 101, quoting crime reference 50250045896.