THIEVES targeting Boots stores in Wanstead and Woodford have stolen thousands of pounds worth of cosmetics in a series of raids.

Police have appealed to the public for information after branches in Wanstead High Street and George Lane South Woodford were broken into during the early hours of Tuesday morning (January 10).

But it has also emerged that both stores have already been hit, possibly by the same thieves, in recent weeks.

Deputy Manager of the George Lane branch, Yaseen Patel, said the break-in was the second time in a week his shop had been hit.

He said: “The first break-in was last Tuesday. On that occasion there were two of them and they took only ladies fragrances.

“This week there was one of them and he only took men’s fragrances.

“I think we have lost thousands of pounds worth overall, but I couldn’t tell you exactly how much.”

Mr Patel said the locks on the front door of the shop had been broken in both raids.

Manager of the the Wanstead High Street branch, Harry Razzaq, confirmed the shop was raided at on the same night.

He said he could not provide details of what was stolen, but did say that access to the store had been gained by prising open the doors.

Police confirmed the break-ins and also admitted that the Wanstead branch had also been broken into on Christmas Eve.

DS Michael Dougall of Redbridge Police said officers were looking for two white males aged between 20 and 30 in connection with the burglaries.

He added: "The burglaries may or may not be linked, but there is a strong possibility that they are."

Anyone with information should contact DS Michael Dougall on 0208 345 2667 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 55 11.

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