A SPATE of ram raids and linked car crime in Haslemere and the surrounding area over the past few days has left almost 20 businesses and car owners counting the cost.
The latest incident happened in the early hours of Wednesday when ram-raiders stoved in a glazed panel of a door at the Haslemere Total Garage on the Hindhead Road in Shottermill.
Hundreds of packets of cigarettes, worth around £1,300, as well as the shop's entire stock of cigarette lighters, was stolen when the gang drove a car into the shop door at 3-45 am.
The raiders are believed to have jumped over the counter and filled a bag with the goods before making their escape in what is believed to be a red J- registered Ford Sierra Sapphire.
They left behind part of the number plate and finger and shoe prints. Police are also investigating CCTV footage.
Sales assistant and key holder Daniel Rooke was called out just after 4 am and neighbours also heard the alarm.
"The police were here within minutes," said Daniel, who was still waiting for permission to reopen on Wednesday morning.
Police are linking the raid to at least four others in the area and a break-in at Wormley Post Office.
Just after 3 am a gang ram-raided their way through a glass door at Witley Wines on the A283 Petworth Road, stealing £300 worth of cigarettes.
Also targeted this week was the Broken Spur Garage in Chiddingfold, where a car smashed through a pane of glass in the early hours of Sunday. Thieves stole lottery tickets and cigarettes.
Thieves also smashed their way in through a front door at Secretts Garden Centre at Milford, stealing a till drawer containing cash.
At 3-15 am thieves attacked a door at King Edward's School on the main Petworth Road in Witley but fled when residents were woken by the noise. Three or four men were seen running away.
Later it was the turn of Wormley Post Office opposite, when thieves forced open the front door, set off the alarm and fled with £40 worth of food. More than £200 worth of cigarettes, cigars and alcohol was stolen from Hambledon village shop when thieves forced their way in early on Monday.
Police say the men are around 5' 8", one wearing dark clothing and the other a light-brown jacket which came just below the waist.
In the early hours of Tuesday thieves broke into Roberts Stores in Chiddingfold. Disturbed by the alarm they fled with spirits worth £25.
Police say the crimes are linked to raids in Waverley and car crimes in Godalming.
pAnyone with information is asked to contact Surrey Police on 01252 716262.