Two men have been charged following overnight break-ins at supermarkets in West Launceston and Norwood overnight.

Police will allege that a 39-year-old Hadspen man and a 47-year-old Ravenswood man forced entry to the businesses in the early hours of Sunday morning to steal cigarettes.

On both occasions, the men were unsuccessful due to new anti theft technology which derailed their efforts.

The two men were observed leaving the scene in small grey Mazda 3 sedan allegedly evading police.

The men were arrested soon after at an address in Ravenswood and taken into custody.

The man from Hadspen was charged and detained, where he will appear in an after-hours court tonight.

The man from Ravenswood was charged and bailed to appear in court at a later date.

Anyone who witnessed the grey Mazda 3 sedan in the Brougham Street, West Launceston or Norwood Avenue, Norwood areas last night should contact Launceston Police on 131 444 or by calling Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestopperstas.com.au. Please quote reference number OR747794.