CCTV shows a quick-thinking thief as he swipes a bottle of cognac from a newsagent while a shop assistant has her back turned.

J & G Smethurst Newsagents, in Markland Hill, was targeted by the thief last Wednesday evening, August 30.

The footage shows the man, entering the shop and browsing items.

He is wearing black trousers, with a red and grey jacket as well as a black cap.

He asks for a bottle of Courvoisier cognac from behind the counter before putting a bottle of Coca Cola on there as well.

He then proceeds to ask for some cigarettes which the shop assistant also places next to the till.

The man then points to a bottle of whiskey behind the shop assistant.

She then turns her back to get it before the thief grabs the cognac and the Coca Cola and runs out of the shop.

He then got into a waiting car and fled.

The video has been posted on social media and viewed more than 50,000 times.

Store manager, Leonie Smethurst, said: "It is not the sort of area where this sort of thing happens. It is a nice area. We don't tend to get any trouble.

"He clearly knew what he was doing. There was a car waiting outside. He has clearly done it before.

"The girl who was working is of university age. She doesn't need that, it is not good for her at all."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101.