Cigs gang cut hole into van

Police said the raid outside Blackburn Market was probably the work of organised criminals due to the apparent planning and efficiency behind the strike.

It appears the gang knew exactly where the van of Blackburn retail tobacconists Edges Ltd would be and how long the driver would be away from the vehicle.

The theft happened while the driver was making a delivery to a stall on Blackburn Market at 9.30am on Wednesday.

While the driver had gone inside the market to speak to a stallholder, the gang moved in.

After reversing their transit van alongside the delivery vehicle at the back of the market in Brown Street, they erected an eight foot by six foot wooden "screen" to shield their crime from passers-by.

They were wearing fluorescent jackets to appear like official workers.

Cutting equipment was used to cut a three feet by two feet hole into the side of the vehicle and cigarettes and tobacco products were transferred into another van.

The gang then made off, leaving the temporary screen in place, probably so that it took longer to spot that a crime had been committed.

The theft was only discovered when the delivery driver returned to his vehicle.

Police officers are scouring CCTV footage for more information on the gang.

Det Sgt Mick Cross, of Blackburn CID, said the method of cutting a hole in a van was unprecedented in the area.

He added: "We are making inquiries as to whether similar crimes have happened in other areas and will be speaking to neighbouring forces.

"At that time of day some apparent workmen in a van would not have attracted much attention.

"But we would ask that anyone who saw the screen being put in place or the van parked up next to the delivery vehicle to come forward.

"We are also keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the van driving away from the scene."

Call Blackburn CID on 01254 353569 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 with information.