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Bristol detectives have issued an appeal to members of the public and traders to be aware - if offered quantities of cheap cigarettes.
It follows a number of robberies at small businesses across Bristol over the past three months in which cash and cigarettes have been taken.
Police believe the same suspects have been involved in the raids and have now released images in the hope it might jog people's memories and lead to their successful arrest.
DI Gary Stephens said:
"We would particularly like to appeal to people who may have been offered large quantities of cigarettes during the past few weeks or have heard anyone bragging about having large quantities.
"Anyone who has either been offered cigarettes - retailers or members of the public - or may have heard someone talking about having large quantities of cigarettes for sale, is asked to contact Bristol CID as soon as possible with any information."
Police were called about incidents in Bristol on August 9 and then in Redland (August 20).
The first at McColls in Mardyke Ferry Road, was at about 8pm when three men entered the premises and demanded cash and cigarettes. One of the men was holding what appeared to be a metal pole and holding a bag, while a third man waited at the doorway. It is thought that the men were seen outside the premises before the incident happened.
At 8.40pm on August 20 three men - whose faces were covered with scarves or balaclavas - burst into the Nisa Store in Chandos Road, Redland. One of the men was carrying a metal pole and a bag, ordered staff to open the till and then began taking cash and cigarettes. While two men were seizing items, a third man remained by the door. The three suspects left the store and went across Chandos Road and down a lane alongside the church and into Woodfield Road.
Two further incidents were reported - on Sunday September 14 and the following day.
The first was a robbery at about 8.30pm at the Wine Rack off licence in Wells Road, Totterdown. The three suspects, who wore hooded tops and scarves pulled over their faces, threatened staff before taking cigarettes and cash.
The following day (September 15) a robbery occurred at about 10pm, when three hooded men with scarves over their faces, went into the McColls store in Frome Valley Road, Totterdown and after threatening staff, stole cash and cigarettes.
A further two incidents were reported on September 23 in the Bristol area. An attempted robbery from the Threshers wine merchants in Cleeve Road occurred at about 8.45pm, followed by a robbery from the Nisa Store in Chandos Road, Redland at 9.55pm.
There was a robbery reported shortly before 9pm on Friday October 3 at the Local Store in Flaxpitts Lane, Winterbourne.Three men, who were wearing balaclavas and ski masks, entered the store and threatened the shop assistants. One of the men had what appeared to be some form of baton or possibly a bat.
There have also been two similar incidents at Nisa stores, Redcliffe street, Bristol on 16th October and 2nd November. In the most recent incident a small silver of gold car was seen to leave the scene without it's lights on.
Three men have been arrested and are on police bail.
The police have issued images of men they would like to speak to in connection with the incidents. In one of the incidents a red dye device was activated that will have stained money taken and the clothing and vehicle of the offenders.
Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed any of the incidents or has any information about the suspects. The Crimestoppers charity is offering a reward of up to £3,000 for information that leads to the arrest, charge and conviction of persons linked to these offences.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Bristol CID on 0845 4567000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Police Force: Avon and Somerset
Address:
Various locations in Bristol including...
McColls
Mardyke Ferry Road
Bristol
Avon
BS1
