THIEVES stole a car in Teddington, used it in a raid on a chemist's shop ten miles away, then set fire to it after being involved in a crash.

The green Mini went missing at the start of February and no more was heard of it until 1.15am on February 28 when burglars broke into a chemist's in Tadworth, reported Surrey police.

They broke a window, stole various property, including reading glasses and aftershave, and made off in the Mini. Police believe they had tried to break into a nearby osteopath's five minutes earlier, but had fled when disturbed.

While making their getaway, the suspects were involved in a collision with a green Renault Laguna. Three males were seen to set fire to the Mini and flee on foot.

They subsequently stole a white Fiesta, drove this to Epsom and set fire to it, then took a blue Vauxhall Astra.

One of the suspects was described as white, around 5ft 9ins tall, skinny and in his late teens. Another was white, around 5ft 11ins tall, stocky, in his late teens and wearing a cream hooded top.

PC Helen Rackstraw, said: "The offenders are wanted for a large number of offences. Maybe someone saw them committing one of these numerous offences or perhaps someone might even know who they are. I would be interested in talking to anyone who has not yet spoken with the police and who thinks they have any information that may lead to the identity of the suspects."

If anyone has any information they should contact PC Rackstraw on 0845 125 2222.