A Porsche thief ram-raided a Banstead off-licence before stealing alcohol from the shop in an "audacious attack" yesterday morning.

The driver mounted the pavement in Banstead High Street and then reversed into the doorway of Hartley’s at around 4.45am on Monday, November 23.

A man wearing a light-coloured Parker coat with the hood up then went into the shop and stole alcohol, a police spokesman said.

The thief had stolen the car - described as a black Porsche Cayenne with a spare wheel on its back - from Thornton Heath before ram-raiding the off-licence.

One of the rear lights was not working on the car.

After the break-in the thief did a lap around the block before fleeing down Croydon Lane.

Detective Constable Karen Scholey said: "This was an audacious attack where the offender appeared to drive around the neighbouring roads after successfully stealing a stash of alcohol.

"I am urging anyone in the surrounding area who may have witnessed any suspicious activity, either live or via a CCTV image, to contact officers as soon as possible.

"Your information could help us trace the offender and bring him to justice for this offence, which not only affects the store owner but negatively impacts upon the community."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any further information is asked to call Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference 45150106235. 

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.