A smokescreen security device foiled burglars who broke into a Staffordshire forecourt early on January 21.

The thieves broke in to Sainsbury’s filling station at Ventura Park, Tamworth, while it was closed, but were driven off by the smokescreen which they set off.

A spokesman from Staffordshire Police said: “We received a call just after midnight, reporting a break-in at the kiosk at Sainsbury’s in Bonehill.

“Unknown offenders broke a window, tried to force apart the protective bars and then forced the door to gain entry. It appears that nothing has been stolen.

“Three male offenders fled the scene when the smoke cloak security system was activated. An investigation is under way.”

They asked anyone with information to contact 101 referencing the incident number 5 of January 21, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.