FORT WORTH -- They're bold, they weren't planning to be stopped, and they were caught in the act. Some quick thinking police work nabbed two cigarette thieves in the dark of night.

The thieves had broken into convenience stores in West Fort Worth, and gone straight for the cigarettes. They had hit four times in the last week, with the same tactic.

"...and that's what prompted us to take a closer look at their modus operandi, what they were doing and when they were doing it, and trying to connect the dots, per se," said Lt. Paul Henderson, Fort Worth PD public information officer.

So this time, Fort Worth police were ready. An officer staked out a FINA store on Camp Bowie last night.

"..and lo and behold, these two suspects broke in - in front of us - and were apprehended," said Lt. Henderson.

Two cigarette burglars - caught in the act.

"One was behind the counter, grabbing cigarettes off the shelves, the other was trying to grab beer out of the cooler," said Lt. Henderson.

Police also impounded the getaway car - parked across the street.

Two serial cigarette thieves - off the street.

E-mail jbrady@wfaa.com