Large amounts of cigarettes stolen from Tauranga businesses

Photo/NZ Police

Several thousand dollars worth of cigarettes have been stolen from businesses in Greerton, Mount Maunganui and Te Puna.

Western Bay of Plenty Police are appealing for information from the public about the series of commercial burglaries where large quantities of cigarettes were stolen.

Tauranga Police Senior Sergeant Rob Glencross said businesses in Mount Maunganui, Greerton, and Te Puna had been targeted in recent days.

New World in Greerton was the first business to be burgled about 3.20am on Friday morning.

Photo/NZ Police

A short time later BP Connect in Te Puna was targeted.

The third incident occurred about 3.45am on Saturday morning at New World in Mount Maunganui.

Several thousand dollars worth of cigarettes were stolen during the three burglaries.

A white Subaru Impreza which was stolen from Mount Maunganui in the early hours of Friday morning, and believed to be linked to these burglaries, was found abandoned on Puriri Street, Mount Maunganui on Saturday morning.

Police are asking anyone having information about these burglaries or any cigarettes being offered for sale cheaply to contact them on 07 577 4300.

Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers NZ on 0800 555111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-nz.org.