Published: Friday, 31st July, 2009 2:00pm

Thieves steal £4k of cigarettes

THEFT FOUND: The store in Dubbs Road in Port Glasgow.

THIEVES stole £4,000 worth of cigarettes from a delivery lorry in a daring daytime raid.

It is believed four bags were swiped from a Co-op vehicle outside the store in Lochwinnoch Road in Kilmacolm on Wednesday afternoon, or while on route to the driver's next stop in Port Glasgow. The theft was discovered at the Dubbs Road store, pictured.

An insider said the cigarettes were for the Port Glasgow store and it was the equivalent of three days worth of stock.

He told the Tele: "I've heard there are gangs of people targeting Co-op vans - a van was done in Tollcross in Glasgow on Monday."

It is understood the lorry has been impounded by police, who are carrying out an examination of the vehicle.

A spokesman for The Co-operative Group has urged witnesses to contact police. He said: "We can confirm a quantity of cigarettes was stolen from one of our vehicles. We would urge anyone with information to contact the police, who are carrying out an investigation."

Detective Constable Alastair Semple, of Greenock police, said: "We believe the theft took place from an articulated lorry in Kilmacolm between 1.15 and 1.45pm on Wednesday.

"Four bags of cigarettes worth £4,000 were stolen and we are trying to establish whether the items were taken while parked up in Lochwinnoch Road in Kilmacolm or in transit between Kilmacolm and Dubbs Road in Port Glasgow.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who spotted anyone acting suspiciously in Kilmacolm or anyone who was driving behind the lorry."

Anyone with information should contact DC Semple at Greenock CID on 492500.