Village shops targeted by thieves

The Mileham community store was one of those targeted

Thieves have carried out raids at shops and post offices in three Norfolk villages in one night.

Norfolk Police are investigating thefts from stores in Melton Constable, Swanton Morley and Mileham.

A police spokesman said cigarettes were stolen in each of the raids, which are being linked.

Mike Kidd, sub postmaster at Mileham community store, said the thieves gained entry by smashing open the front door and escaped with the till.

He said that it took "probably no more than 90 seconds" for the thieves to search the shop and make their exit.

He added: "They've cleaned out the gantry for the tobacco and taken the lot.

"They've also gone to the other end of the shop and smashed in the door accessing the post office area.

"Fortunately nothing has been taken from there."