WH Smiths raided – thieves break in through Edinburgh Woollen Mill to steal cigarettes

Over Sunday night thieves mounted an audacious raid on WH Smiths in Marlborough’s High Street.

Unable to break in to Smiths directly they entered via Edinburgh Woollen Mill, then knocked a large hole in the adjoining wall between the two properties to gain access to WH Smiths and their stash of cigarettes.

Initially – some pundits wondered – why Edinburgh Woollen Mill? Was it sheep looking to reclaim their former coats – some form of ‘RamRaid’?

But no, the Edinburgh Woollen Mill premises were purely the conduit through to WH Smiths.

Police are appealing for witnesses. They were called at 8.30am on Monday morning (22 March). Thieves had initially gained entry by breaking through fire doors of the Edinburgh Woollen Mill, before then using building tools to break through the internal dividing wall to WH Smith.

They have then stolen a large quantity of cigarettes from behind the till area of WH Smith.

PC Emily Grigor, from the Devizes Area Community Policing Team, said: “This burglary happened at some point overnight between Sunday and Monday morning and, due to the method of entry, is likely to have caused noise and disruption which may have been noticed by passers-by.

“We appreciate that there are less people out and about at the moment, due to the lockdown restrictions, but we would like to hear from anyone who might have been walking or driving by overnight and may have seen something suspicious.”

If you can help please call Wiltshire Police on 101 quoting crime reference 54210027052. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.