Strand Wines in Sandwich has thanked people for responding to an appeal after wine was stolen from the shop on Friday.

Tessa Cock, shop assistant at Strand Wines in New Street, said the shop posted CCTV pictures of the two suspects on Facebook after four bottles were stolen on Friday at 4pm.

The thieves took three bottles of port and one bottle of fortified wine worth £62.

Ms Cock was working at the time and realised items had been stolen when she spotted them running out of the shop.

The CCTV pictures, which we can not print for legal reasons, were shared on Facebook.

After just two days of circulating the internet, Ms Cock was given the names and addresses of suspects.

She said: “In such a small town a lot of people know everyone else so as you can tell from the response. It has been so fast.

“As soon as it was posted we were getting a response. That has been really fantastic.

“A lot of our customers have shared this with their friends.

“I’m a Sandwich girl as well and this side of it has been really positive.

“It makes you feel as though we’re cared about.”

Ms Cock contacted the police to give them the names and addresses.

Two weeks ago £130 worth of champagne was stolen from Strand Wines in Walmer and again CCTV pictures were posted on social media and they had a quick response which was passed to police.

She said: “It is a rare occasion. The fact that it’s happened on two occasions in such a short space of time has shocked us. It’s not a nice thing to happen when you’re working.”

Kent Police confirmed officers are investigating the theft and anyone with information is asked to contact PC Kevin Sturgess on 101 quoting crime reference ZY/18401/15.

Alternatively, if you want to remain anonymous call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.