RAM RAIDERS left a trail of destruction as they targeted two convenience stores in Hampshire.
They struck at Netley Abbey and in Sholing in the early hours of this morning.
The raiders used a car to smash the doors of two Co-op stores during the incidents.
One happened at the Co-op store in Station Road, Netley, in the early hours of this morning.
This morning the front of the stores was severely damaged with a police car parked outside.
It is believed the shop will be closed for up to two days due to the incident.
One resident, who lives nearby, said: "I live in the street next to it and didn't hear anything.
"I came to get the paper at 7.15am and saw this- it seems that all the cigarettes they could get their hands on were stolen."
Another nearby resident Jenny Wasteney, 70, retired, said: "At 4.20am, I heard an almighty crash and jumped out of bed.
"I heard a car alarm go off and we realised it was the Co-op so my husband and me went to phone the police but saw another young guy phone them first."
A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: "Officers are currently investigating a burglary which happened at a Co-op store in Netley Abbey.
"At around 4.25am on Wednesday, 19 June offenders used a vehicle to smash the window of the Co-Op store, Station Hill, Netley Abbey.
"The occupants of the vehicle then entered the store and took a quantity of cigarettes.
"They then left the scene in the vehicle.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101 quoting 44190210258."
Meanwhile, the Co-op in Sprin Road, Sholing, was cordoned off this morning while workmen repaired the front doors.
No one at the store would comment but a nearby resident said: "Although I live nearby, I only heard shouting but nothing else."
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