27/05/2010 - Police hunt dock cigarette robbers
Three security staff working at Southampton dock were tied up by a gang of robbers, who made off with a £2 million haul of cigarettes.
Police are now appealing for help to find the gang, who stole 26 pallets of cigarettes, including Benson and Hedges, Lambert and Butler, Superkings and Mayfair, with Spanish and French health warnings.
Detective Inspector Simon Baker from Hampshire police said: "The guards suffered a traumatic experience but were unharmed. They managed to escape after about an hour and raise the alarm. This was a very serious crime carried out by what we suspect is a highly organised gang of criminals.
"We believe the lorry headed out of Southampton and joined the M3 northbound towards London, so we would appeal to any drivers who may have seen the vehicle in the early hours of Monday to get in touch," he added.
Police believe at least four gang members were involved in forcing entry to the site. They used a white Iveco lorry, with fairy lights and four spotlights around the cab to carry the haul, which also included Golden Virginia tobacco. The vehicle was caught on CCTV leaving the docks area shortly after 2.30am on Monday.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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