RAIDERS stole cigarettes and spirits after forcing open a metal shutter at a garage in the early hours of yesterday (Wednesday) morning. Police were called at around 3am to the BP garage on Stevenage Road, Hitchin. The burglars had forced the front shutte

RAIDERS stole cigarettes and spirits after forcing open a metal shutter at a garage in the early hours of yesterday (Wednesday) morning.

Police were called at around 3am to the BP garage on Stevenage Road, Hitchin.

The burglars had forced the front shutter up and smashed glass in a door behind to get into the garage.

After grabbing their stash they made off through the rear fire exit, and were later reported to be driving on the wrong carriageway on the A505, heading towards Luton, in a stolen silver Vauxhall Astra.

Bedfordshire Police were alerted and the force helicopter was scrambled.

Road blocks were set up and the car was pursued in Luton.

Four men were eventually arrested in the Luton area.

On Wednesday morning, the garage was cordoned off as staff waited for repairs to be made to the front of the shop.

Manager Tom Reardon said: "We confirm that there was a break-in of the premises last night. Police were in attendance.

"There was a chase in which suspects were apprehended and are under police investigation at the moment."

The exact value of the goods stolen is not known at the moment.

Four men were held in custody in Luton but were expected to be transferred to Hitchin Police Station.