Thieves stole drugs and charity money in a burgling spree that targeted seven shops in one night.

After breaking in through the fire exit, burglars forced open a medical cabinet in Medivet Practice, High Street, Redbourn and stole  animal sedatives and charity money boxes.

Another five shops were targeted in Redbourn and Harpenden on August 12 and 13.

Money and a computer were stolen from GG Beauty in High Street, and in Harpenden, cash was taken from Alex’s Hairdressers, in Thompsons Close, and LC Western Funeral Directors, in Leyton Road.

The offenders also stole a charity tin from Doggy Day Spa, in Thompsons Close, and attempted to break in Parker and Vine Delicatessen and The Floor Shop, in Leyton Road.

Detective Inspector Pete Frost said: “The drugs taken are used to put animals to sleep and are harmful to humans. I would appeal to anyone who may know of the whereabouts of these items to please contact us.

Detective Frost said he believed the incidents were linked. He said: “Anyone who has any information about who may be responsible, please contact police. I would also ask anyone who was near any of the locations overnight on Friday into Saturday, and saw anything suspicious, to please contact officers.”

Anyone with information should contact Hertfordshire Constabulary on 101.