Ram-raiders crashed through a convenience store window causing thousands of pounds of damage to snatch cigarettes and a till.

The “depressing” smash-and-grab on Costcutter in Blean near Canterbury yesterday morning is the second attack on a small Kent village store this week.

Thieves targeted the Co-op in Teynham in the early hours of December 30 where cash was also taken, prompting a police manhunt.

A blue/grey Ford Focus then ploughed through Costcutter’s front window in Tyler Hill Road at 2.30am on Tuesday before criminals fled the aftermath as the alarm system rang out.

The culprits caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the glass frontage, which has now been boarded up, but the business has been able to re-open.

Police were called to the scene after the security system triggered and neighbours in the flat above became disturbed.

Keiran Rutter, 21, who has worked at the shop since he was 17, told KentOnline today: “It’s shocking and depressing, to be honest.

“They’ve done a lot of damage which is going to cost thousands to fix.

“It was also obviously frightening for the people living in the flat.

“But what has been heartening is the response of our customers who have sent many messages of sympathy and support.”

It is the second time the store has suffered a ram-raid as it was attacked five years ago, shortly after Kieran started working there.

In 2018, thieves reversed a pick-up truck into the building in a bid to steal the cash ATM but fled empty-handed.

Anyone who witnessed the incident and has yet to speak to officers, or who has dashcam or CCTV footage which may help, should call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/551/24.

They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the online form on their website.