SOUTH FORSYTH — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the theft of some 400 packs of cigarettes from a south Forsyth gas station.

The cigarettes — Newport and Camel brands, with an estimated value of $1,800 — were taken about 4 a.m. Thursday from the RaceTrac just north of McFarland Parkway/Exit 12 at Ga. 400.

According to the sheriff’s office, four men entered the store, made their way behind the counter and grabbed “part of the cigarette display case off the wall.”

No force or weapons were used in the incident and no money was taken.

According to sheriff’s reports, “The four unknown males quickly ran out of the store after being startled by the employees.”

The suspects could not be identified, as their faces were covered by hooded sweatshirts. They are not thought to be dangerous.

Witnesses reported the getaway vehicle was a late model Ford Taurus last seen heading toward Ga. 400.

Cigarettes often are resold, said Epifanio Rodriguez, a spokesman for the sheriff’s office, though an official motive for the crime is not known.