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RAMRAIDERS fled with hundreds of pounds worth of cigarettes after slamming cars into front of two businesses within half an hour of each other.

The thieves left a trail of damage at the premises in Clare, Suffolk, and Dullingha, Cambridgeshire after the raids in the early hours of Sunday morning.

It was about 3:30am when a car was driven into the windows of the Co-op on Market Hill in Clare.

The vehicle ploughed into the front of the shop but the toughened glass window failed to smash and fell on top of the villian’s car stopping them from getting into the store.

Instead the car struck the shop’s counter pushing it three feet into the shop, where it smashed into the drinks display.

Trevor Wilson, manager of the store, said: “It hit the wines and spirits counter, doing about £600 damage. There was champagne everywhere because it was all built up for New Year.”

He said the store also faced a £2,000 bill for a new window.

Shortly before 4am police in Cambridgeshire were called to reports of an alarm going off at Dullingham Motors in Brinkley Road.

Officers arrived to fond the front doors of the garage caved in.

Jim Langham, owner of Dullingham Motors, said: “They just ramraided us, drove a car through our doors and took cigarettes, telephone cards and postage stamps.

“It will probably cost us a couple of grand by the time we’ve replaced the front of the shop which is basically what we’ve got to do now.

Police in both counties are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the crimes to call them.

Cambridgeshire police can be reached on (01480) 456111 while the number for Suffolk force is (01284) 774100.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.