An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary after hundreds of packets of cigarettes were allgedly stolen during a break-in at a newsagents.
Several men were seen leaving Tattenham Way News in Tattenham Way, with large bags thought to be filled with cigarettes at 11.30pm on Tuesday night.
A neighbour said he heard the alarm go off and saw men in dark hooded tops leave the Tattenham Way Newsagents.
He said: "They broke in at the front and escaped through the alleyway in Waterer Gardens."
He added the glass in the front door had been broken and he believed the stolen cigarettes were worth about £4,000.
Detective Constable Steph Worrell from Surrey Police said: "I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious either around the time of the offence or in the days leading up to it to contact officers with information.
"There have been several incidents of this nature across East Surrey over recent months which we believe could be linked and are working to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
"As part of the investigation into burglaries of this kind we are working closely with the targeted stores to improve their security as well as other departments within Surrey Police and neighbouring forces."
The 18-year-old has been bailed until November 26.
Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference RB/13/8694, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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