A QUANTITY of cigarettes and tobacco were stolen at break-ins at two supermarkets.

The first took place just after midnight today (Monday) when police received reports that an alarm had been activated at Sainsbury’s on Bridport Road in Dorchester.

Police were informed that there was a lot of noise coming from inside.

Officers were dispatched and arrived on the scene where it was clear a burglary had taken place as the front doors had been forced open.

A large quantity of tobacco and cigarettes were stolen from behind the counter and there have been reports that two men wearing balaclavas were seen running from the scene shortly before police arrived.

At around 1.30am to 2am on the same night, a burglary also took place at the Co-Op on Westbridge Park in Sherborne.

The front doors were forced open by the offenders and they proceeded to make their way to the cigarette gantry.

The roller shutter door was forced open and a quantity of packs of cigarettes were stolen.

Police said there was no attempt to break in to the back door of the office doors inside the building.

They added that they are keeping an "open mind" as to whether these crimes are connected.

Anyone with any information on either incident should contact police on 101.