A GANG is using an unusual type of battering ram to break into shops and garages to steal cigarettes.

The thieves struck twice just minutes apart early today – and are thought to have targeted another shop earlier this month.

Now police have urged people to come forward with information.

The thieves use heavy metal drain covers to smash their way in and then try to steal large packs of cigarettes.

They struck at the Co-op on Northgate in Almondbury at 2.35am today, escaping with cigarettes from the kiosk

Minutes later at around 2.50am the Total Garage on New Hey Road at Salendine Nook was attacked in the same way and again cigarettes were stolen.

At 12.55am on July 12 thieves used a drain cover to smash their way into the Tesco Express store on New Hey Road in Marsh, but a special anti-theft device sent smoke spiralling through the store, disorientating the thieves who then fled empty- handed.

This time a silver car was seen.

Contact detectives in Huddersfield on 01484 436685 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.