Mccolls, Wrotham Road, Meopham - February 8 2012

Raiders smash their way through shops as they steal thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes in these CCTV images released by police linking 10 other incidents.

Mccolls, Wrotham Road, Meopham - February 12 2012

The gang have been targeting shops across the north Kent, with McColl’s, in Wrotham Road, Meopham being targeted three times in less than a month from January 18 to February 12 this year.

After smashing their way through the doors of closed shops the gang set about loading the loot in to massive bags before making their getaway.

Police believe the gang which wreaked havoc in Meopham are responsible for many more incidents including the theft of £5,000 worth of cigarettes during a raid at the Co-op supermarket in Temple Hill Square, Dartford, at about 1.30am on February 17.

Another raid was carried out in Hawley Road, Dartford, on January 31 with incidents linked to the same suspects in Otford and west Kent.

Co-op, Temple Hill, Dartford - February 17 2012. One offender is clearly holding a pick axe left at the scene

Speaking about the most recent raid in Dartford, DC Nick Whiteoak said: “This was a very significant break-in with a large amount of cigarettes stolen.

“We are very keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in Temple Hill Square on the night in question or in Sheridan Court on 14th February.”

After the latest north Kent raid officers found a screwdriver and pickaxe believed to have been used in the break-in at the scene.

A green Volvo C40, thought to have been involved in the burglary was found on fire in Joyce Green Lane, Dartford, at about 2.30am the same morning. The car’s licence plates had been stolen from Sheridan Court, Dartford, three days before the raid.

Both men are well built, between 5ft 8in and 6ft and were both seen to be carrying a yellow builders’ merchants bag with the cigarettes in it.

The first suspect wore white trainers, navy Adidas jogging bottoms, a black jacket and had a black mask over his face, black gloves and a grey hood.

His accomplice who was larger, wore grey or white gloves, a black hooded top with three stripes down each arm, dark trousers or tracksuit bottoms with black mask over his face.

Call Kent Police on 01634 792166 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.