MORE than £100,000 worth of electronic cigarette kits have been stolen from a Blackburn company.

Thieves targeted The Electronic Cigarette Company, on the Shadsworth Business Park, breaking in and loading up a van.

Police have released a CCTV image of the white Vauxhall Vivaro vehicle they believe was used by the burglars.

They are now appealing for anybody who might have information to come forward.

The company’s general manager Neil Pritchard said the thieves loaded up the van over a seven minute period.

He said: “They have taken a substantial amount, which has impacted on us.

“We have had to work with our supply chain to try and minimise the impact this theft has had. There have been some disappointed customers, but we have done our best to look after them and upgrade them.”

It is believed the burglars were two men, one of whom was described as tall.

During the burglary, which happened around 6.45pm on March 23, a total of 3,390 TECC branded electronic cigarettes were taken.

Mr Pritchard said: “I would encourage anybody to come forward if they have been offered any of these items.

“This theft has impacted on our team. We work very hard to provide these items for our customers. We only moved here two months ago and this has upset everyone. The first we knew about it was when we came in on the Monday morning and there were spilled boxes of cigarettes at the back door and empty shelves.”

Sgt Paul Gaynor, from the Blackburn target team, said: “Should any members of the public be offered these items for sale or know the offenders using this vehicle, then please contact PC Whittaker at Blackburn Police.”

Anybody with information should call 101 quoting log reference LC-20140324-0211, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.