Shop burglars climb tree

5:41pm Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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BURGLARS stole cash and hundreds of packets of cigarettes after climbing up a tree to disable a shop’s alarm.

A gang struck at Bargain Booze in Horwich, and escaped with cash and goods worth almost £3,000.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the break-in, or who has been offered cheap cigarettes, to get in touch.

The thieves climbed up a tree next to the shop in Chorley New Road and ripped the alarm system off the wall.

The tampering alerted the alarm company, which called the shop manager and the police, who checked to see if there had been a break-in. They left when the shop appeared to be undisturbed.

Once the police had gone, the thieves, knowing the alarm was not working, broke in through a boarded-up side window.

Once inside, they turned all the CCTV cameras to the wall and used a pair of bolt cutters to break into the security cabinet, which housed the shop’s store of cigarettes and tobacco.

They stole the cigarettes and tobacco, worth around £2,500, along with £230 in cash.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

pkeaveny@thebolton news.co.uk