Brazen thieves ransack store before stealing cigarettes in Melbourne

Three offenders are on the run after they ransacked a petrol station in Melbourne's north-east this morning.

Police believe the trio forced their way into the Liberty petrol station on Plenty Road in Preston about 4.30am.

The trio ransacked the store, before stealing a large quantity of cigarettes and fleeing the scene.

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Staff arrived at the store shortly after.

Police said the trio came back to store in a vehicle, before they rammed into the glass to regain entry.

Detectives are investigating whether the incident is linked to a second burglary nearby.