Convenience store staff were conned into handing over £2,000 worth of cigarettes to three thieves in a series of burglaries targeting Co-op stores in Shropshire and Powys.

Police say the Co-op store in Bishop's Castle was targeted twice in less than six hours last month.

Three men, who also targeted stores in Welshpool and Oswestry, entered the store in Church Street at around 8.20pm on Sunday, April 23, and took thousands of pounds worth of cigarettes without paying.

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Six hours later, another three men broke into the same store and targeted cash in the till at around 2.20am on Monday, April 24.

West Mercia Police said the second incident is not believed to be linked to the cigarettes theft but part of a series of burglaries targeting Co-op stores.

People are being urged to share any information about the theft and burglary by telephoning the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.