Andrew IngsRAM raiders who struck at a garage shop on Sunday, stealing £4,000 worth of cigarettes, were the fifth gang to target the business owned by Andrew Ings in two years.

Two men were arrested at Mangotsfield near Bristol after police launched a dramatic car and helicopter chase.

They are now on bail pending an investigation.

Mr Ings, 48, from Chippenham said: "This is the fifth time this has happened in the last two years. I feel very bitter and numb. I think this gang are probably stealing to feed their drug habit."

Events unfolded at 2am last Sunday when the gang reversed their car into a glass door at the BP petrol shop at the Specialist Car garage on the Crudwell Road, Malmesbury. After climbing in through the window, the alarms system activated and the group filled dustbins with cigarettes from the kiosk and locker.

Using balaclavas to disguise themselves, they spent about four minutes, in the shop before escaping.

However, a passing HGV driver from Gloucestershire spotted the criminals at work and alerted police.

A patrol car picked up the gang near Corston, and together with officers from Avon and Somerset pursued them at speeds of up to 120 mph on to the M4 and M32.

A police helicopter was also deployed and officers tried to puncture the car's tyres with a stinger device.

The stolen cigarettes have now been recovered.

Visibly shaken by the burglary, Mr Ings, who has run the petrol garage and Malmesbury Specialist Cars for 28 years, said he first received a call after the alarm had gone off at 2.15am.

Within 15 minutes he arrived at the business to find the door smashed in.

Mr Ings said: "I approached the shop with caution because I thought the gang could still be there, and who knows, they could have knifed me. I could clearly see all the cigarettes were trashed and stolen. My initial feeling was bitterness and anger.

"I stayed at the shop for 14 hours without eating or drinking anything. The building was open, so I could not leave it.

"I reckon the burglary has cost me around £3,000 in lost business because we were closed for seven hours on Sunday. Replacing the kiosk and inside doors will cost around £1,800. Its is a serious blow for my business."

Mr Ings said he believed the gang stole the cigarettes because they are a high-value product that can be sold anywhere.

He said the trauma of the crime had affected him psychologically,

"This has been a serious loss and aggravation. To be honest, it has got to me and is having an effect. I feel very apprehensive about what will happen next.

"My wife Gillian was also greatly affected because during the 14 hours when I was in the shop, she was very worried and concerned about my safety."

"These robberies make me more vigilant. If I see someone who gives me the slightest suspicion, it makes me very worried."

He added: "I think the police have been very good. But I do not think the court system will punish these people enough. It is an awful start to the New Year, but I will remain positive and push on with the business."

PC Simon Pope of Malmesbury police said he believed the gang had targeted Sainsbury's in Chippenham before driving on to Malmesbury.