A NORTON petrol station remains sealed off by police tape after it was targeted by raiders early this morning (Thursday).
Two men smashed their way into the BP service station on Norton Road at around 4.15am.
Police were on the scene within minutes - Sergeant Andy Holder told the News.
But according to an eyewitness - officers missed catching the raiders red-handed by "about 40 seconds".
The offenders are believed to have removed the shutters and smashed a window to break-in to the garage before making off with a quantity of cigarettes in a silver Skoda Octavia.
Councillor Mohammed Hanif, Dudley's deputy mayor - who lives nearby, said: "It's just shocking to see this on our doorstep. It's not what you want."
The garage is expected to re-open later today.
Witnesses or anyone with information should call police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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