Ram-raiders come up smelling of - perfume!

The first incident happened at 3.20am, when the car was used to smash the shop front of Llyods pharmacy at The Street, Rustington. Ten minutes later the car was used to do the same at Glyn Norris chemist at Wick Road, Littlehamton.

At 3.48am firefighters were called to a small track, often used for walking dogs, behind Joyce Close, Littlehampton. The car had been abandoned and set alight.

The car has been identified as being used in the incidents both by CCTV, and by damage on the rear of the car which was consistent with the method of break-in.

Sgt Richard Clark, of Littlehampton police, said they got away with cosmetics, as drugs at both chemists were stored away very securely.

The thieves got away with a quantity of perfume from both stores. Twenty bottles of Burberry-branded perfume, worth 600 were taken from Lloyds Pharmacy alone.

The car, a blue Toyota Yaris, was stolen from Clune Road, Littlehampton, at the junction with Wick Farm Road at some time between 8pm the previous evening and the time of the attacks.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have seen the car, license plate number GU05 UKN, during this time to get in touch. They are also asking the public to be vigilant.

Sgt Peter Allan, of Littlehampton police, said: "Anybody offered Burberry, or indeed any other make, of perfume at what they believe to be a below market price or in circumstances that feel suspicious should call the police."

Call 0845 60 70 999 and quote reference WA2/8252/07.