The two boys, thought to be aged between 12 and 14, entered the Co-operative shop on Saturday, September 2 at 4.20pm. And close-circuit tele-vision recorded the boys selecting the cans, concealing them and then leaving the shop without offering payment.
Local police have been liaising with Ivybridge Community College in an attempt to identify the children.
A spokesman for Ivybridge police said: “There have been a number of issues of young people hanging about outside the Co-op in the afternoons and evenings causing problems.
“They have been running in and out of the store throwing things and breaking items. Parents please be aware of where and who your children hang out with.”
Police have asked members of the public to call 101 with any information on the above crime, quoting “CR/075091/17”.