Police appeal after crime gang targeting NI shops for cigarettes

DETECTIVES believe an organised crime gang using a distinctive getaway car may be behind a series of burglaries targeting shop keepers across Northern Ireland.

Police have revealed details of the latest incident which happened in the early hours of Friday, July 5.

Two men forced their way into a shop in the Main Street area of Markethill in Co Armagh and stole around £3,000 worth of cigarettes.

The incident happened around 1.40am and both men wore gloves and face masks and were described as being of medium build.

The first male was wearing a dark-coloured Adidas jumper and a beanie-style hat.

The second wore a dark and white coloured hooped top, tracksuit bottoms and dark coloured trainers with a white band.

The men arrived at the scene and made off in a distinctive white Ford Escort car.

Police said they believed the men may be part of an organised gang who travel throughout the county targeting shops to steal cigarettes.

Detectives have appealed for anyone in any area that may have information about the white Ford Escort or know of its whereabouts to contact them on 0845 600 8000.

Police can be contacted on 0845 600 8000, or information about crime can be passed anonymously to police on 0800 555 111.