Large amounts of cigarettes stolen from Bay of Plenty businesses

Police are hunting for the thieves. File photo

Police are hunting for thieves who have taken several thousand dollars' worth of cigarettes from businesses in the Bay of Plenty.

Senior Sergeant Rob Glencross of the Tauranga Police 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 in the early hours of Friday morning.

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

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

A stolen white Subaru Impreza is believed to be linked to the burglaries. Photo / NZ Police

Mr Glencross said 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 the 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 5774300. Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers NZ on 0800 555111 or via their website at www.crimestoppers-nz.org.