AN Evesham newsagents is to review its security after a large quantity of cigarettes and tobacco was stolen just days after the theft of a poppy box.

Thieves made off with £700 worth of tobacco when they broke into Hampton Newsagents, in Port Street, at about 1.20am on November 20.

Shop owner Lawrence Jacobs said: "They took a panel off the front door using some kind of crowbar and set off the alarm as soon as they'd got in.

"They just took three cardboard boxes and legged it. I didn't think they'd taken that much until after I'd done a stock take.

"They will probably try and sell them on to get money for drugs or something."

The theft comes just nine days after thieves stole a poppy box from the counter on Remembrance Sunday.

Mr Jacobs added: "I will be looking at reviewing security. This has made me a bit mad."

Police believe someone may have seen the thieves forcing their way into the shop and are appealing for anyone with information to call them on 01905 723888, quoting c/535197 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Hampton Newsagents was one of seven premises hit by thieves who stole Poppy Day collection boxes in the week when the nation remembered its war dead.

Following that theft, Mr Jacobs described the thieves as "low life", slamming their actions as "disgusting".