THIEVES used a brick to smash their way into the kiosk of a Highworth garage. Intruders made off with £600 worth of cigarettes and caused £3,000 damage during the raid at Simpson's garage in Swindon Street.

The garage is normally open 24 hours a day, but was forced to close for the evening because a cashier was ill.

The raiders attempted to smash the front door of the petrol kiosk before breaking a window to gain entry.

The garage was unable to sell petrol the following morning as the till and a pump control unit had been damaged.

Staff also had to clear away a large amount of broken glass.

Managing director Peter Jenkins said: "There was smashed glass all over the place.

"The whole thing is very frustrating, and staff are quite upset."

The break-in happened between 10pm on Thursday and 4am the next day. Anyone with information should call police on 01793 528111.