Botley Cigarette Thieves Escape After Police Chase

22 August 2014, 06:10 | Updated: 22 August 2014, 06:12

Hampshire Police are looking for four people who stole cigarettes from a service station then escaped after a police chase.

The robbery happened at Botley Service Station on Station Hill between 11.20pm and 11.40pm on Wednesday 20 August.

A burgundy Subaru car was seen in the area at the time of the incident. At 12.30am on Thursday 21 August police on patrol in Basingstoke attempted to stop a burgundy coloured Subaru Legacy with four people inside on Roman Road.

The car failed to stop and following a short pursuit the car was located dumped on the A339 near Rooksdown containing cigarettes. An extensive search was carried out but the occupants were not found.

Detective Inspector Justin Torgout said:

“Our investigation is looking into whether these incidents are linked and are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed a burgundy Subaru Legacy in the vicinity of Station Hill, Botley or the Basingstoke area on the evening of Wednesday, August 20.

“Just after 11pm on Wednesday, August 20 an attempted burglary occurred at the Hire Centre on Church Road in Locks Heath. Damage was caused to the store but entry was not gained. Part of our investigation is also looking into whether this incident is connected.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Winchester CID on 101  or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on the number shown below. Minicom TextRelay users can call 18001 101.