Akron detectives are asking the public's help in identifying suspects involved in nearly a dozen cigarette carton thefts.

Police say the suspects attempt to purchase a large amount of cigarettes at a store - but they then steal the items as the clerk rings up the sale. In one of the thefts, the suspect jumped over the counter, shoved the clerk and ran out of the store with the merchandise.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at (330) 375-2490; the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-866-4-WANTED; the Summit County Crimestoppers, Inc. at (330) 434-COPS; or leave an anonymous tip on the Akron Police Department website at http://akronohio.gov/asp/tip.html. Callers can remain anonymous.