Black market fear in cigarette thefts

CCTV footage shows thieves targeting cigarettes during a burglary at Bay View Mobil.

Burglars targeting cigarettes and tobacco in Hawke's Bay may be supplying an underground black market, police say.

Since late July, local dairies, Four Square stores, service stations and discount tobacco specialists have been targeted by accomplished thieves, taking all they can get their hands on.

They were striking regularly and acting fast, often getting in and out within a matter of minutes.

"We are getting approximately two to three burglaries targeting commercial premises every week to 10 days," Detective Sergeant Craig Vining said. "Cigarettes and tobacco are the primary target, cash and other items may be targeted if they are on hand at the time."

The rate of offending was increasing, with two Four Square stores and a discount shop in Hastings hit overnight on Wednesday last week.

Police want any information that may identify those responsible or news of stolen tobacco and cigarettes being sold on the black market.

Costs for smokers continue to rise, with a packet of 20 cigarettes reaching about $18.70 in 2014, meaning those who puff through a pack a day will spend more than $5000 a year.

There was no evidence to suggest the increase was due to a ban on legal highs, which was introduced in May, police said.

Most of the burglaries were carried out at night with entry gained by various means, an indication that the offenders had been scoping out individual locations.

"Methods include smashing through walls, jimmying windows and doors, smashing windows and through the roof skylights, fibrelight or removing the roofing surface," Mr Vining said.

Break-ins were well planned, slick and professional, with offenders disguised in dark clothing, face coverings and gloves. There was a common thread of two people with a slight build and the third heavier set.

Police were working alongside local shopkeepers to go over security measures such as CCTV, alarms and response times by security companies.

Meanwhile, a 51-year-old man is facing charges relating to a burglary at Mobil in Bayview overnight on September 2, where almost $2000 worth of cigarettes and tobacco were taken.

Police say the man was arrested after trying to flee officers, while a second alleged offender managed to escape on foot. All the stolen property was recovered.

-Anyone with information can phone the Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555 111.