THIEVES stole £500,000 worth of cigarettes from a West Thurrock warehouse during a 24-hour burglary last weekend.

Police are appealing for information after a gang struck at Blueheath PLC, a grocery wholesaler in Baymanor Lane, shortly after 8pm on Saturday, March 17.

The gang, believed to be made up of four men, cut a hole through doors and metal sheeting to gain entry, before moving security sensors in the building and loading the boxes of cigarettes into a van.

They left the building twice in 24 hours - and returned with larger vehicles, to steal more cigarettes.

Shortly before 8pm on Sunday, the thieves did trigger alarms, bringing the burglary to an end.

The company's security team arrived to find the hole in the doors and the cigarettes missing. They called the police.

A comamy spokesperson said: "We now have a permanent guard on duty. Unfortunately, some people know how to get around the system, but the alarms did go off in the end and the response was quick.

"We're insured and have the stock back. Our suppliers have been very good and none of our customers have been let down."

Investigating officer Det Con Grant Handley added: "This appears to have been a well-organised burglary committed by, we think, four men. They have used a variety of vehicles including a silver Ford Focus and a Ford Luton van.

"This van had some signage on the side of it and we are examining the CCTV footage in a bid to determine the exact lettering."

The thieves wore dark clothing. Anyone who may have seen any suspicious individuals in the area, either on Saturday evening, or during the course of Sunday, should call investigating officers to help identify the gang. Call them on 01375 391212.