SHOP owners in Whitworth town centre are being warned by police to be vigilant after a shop was targeted by thieves twice in the space of two days.

In the first incident, three men walked out of The Co-operative Late Shop in Thorney Lee carrying nine jars of coffee, without paying.

In the second, a woman snatched three legs of lamb and also left the supermarket without paying.

A police spokesman said: “It is not yet known at this stage if these thefts are connected.

“Please be aware if you have shop premises and remain vigilant.

“The thieves may well spread further afield.”

The first incident was on Thursday at 6.20pm, and the second was on 3.40pm on Saturday.

Anyone with information on either of these incidents should call police on 101.