A reward is being offered after a newsagent was broken into at Selsey.
Between 6.30pm on Saturday, January 28 and 7am on Sunday, January 29 a large quantity of cigarettes and tobacco were stolen from Wiseman Newsagents at High Street.
Police are appealing for anybody who has been approached by someone selling cigarettes or tobacco in the local area.
A reward of £200 is being offered by police and the local businesses for information that leads to an arrest and subsequent conviction.
PC David Lyons of Chichester District Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We believe that the suspects are local to the area and are likely to be trying to sell the stolen property to friends or family. Buying goods which you know are stolen is an offence. If you unwittingly bought them then let us know.
“The local community hold a huge piece of this puzzle and any information will help immensely with our investigation. A local business has been left out of pocket and we urge anybody who can help to come forward.
“As a direct result of information from the public, four local boys aged 14, 15, 16 and 17, have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and bailed until February 24.”
Anyone who saw anything suspicious or who has information which may assist police is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting serial 333 of 29/1 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.