THE owners of a Darlington convenience store are counting the cost of crime, after thieves stole £16,000-worth of tobacco during an early-morning raid.

Intruders broke in to the Lifestyle Express store, on the corner of North Lodge Terrace and Gladstone Street, between 3am and 3.20am on Saturday (May 25) morning.

PC Alistair Rogowski, of Durham Police’s serious priority crime and justice department, based in Darlington, said: “The intruders accessed the premises from the rear alley between the houses on North Lodge Terrace and Thornton Street.

“They removed roof tiles from the extension at the rear of the premises, and forced a hole through the roof to gain entry to the stock area.

“While inside they removed around £16,000 worth of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars and loose tobacco.

“They also removed £1,200 worth of various bottles of spirits and cash from the tills before loading the items into green plastic customer baskets and leaving the premises.”

PC Rogowski said one basked has already been recovered, but it contained only a small amount of stock.

The bulk of the property has not yet been traced. The shop remains open for business.

Police are asking anyone with information about the burglary, or anyone who is offered cheap tobacco for sale, to get in touch.

Call PC Rogowski on the non-emergency number, 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.