Littleborough businesses victims of break ins

Littleborough business break in

At least four businesses in Littleborough have been subject to break-ins since the beginning of the month, with three sightings of a blue Volvo Estate car.

Greater Manchester Police is investigating the four incidents and at this time treating them as being linked.

Officers have recovered a vehicle which they believe is connected to each incident.

The first break-in happened between 3.00pm Saturday 1 October and 7.55am Sunday (2 October) at the Village Bakery on Hare Hill Road. The thieves broke the door to enter, tearing out the CCTV cameras.

They stole the charity boxes and staff tips.

Manager Angie Towers, who discovered the break-in, said: “I was in shock. I got to work that morning and just knew when I saw the door wide open.

“You couldn’t see the floor because of the mess they made.”

Next came an attempted break-in at Tinkerbell Nursey on William Street at around 5am on Sunday (2 October).

Staff were alerted after discovering a hairline crack in the laminated glass patio door. It is believed that the thieves expected the glass to crack so they could remove it, but they were disturbed by a neighbour loading his car.

Owner Peter Lord estimates the damage to cost up to £1,500 pounds in repairs. CCTV captured the thieves leaving in a dark blue Volvo Estate car.

It is believed that the same offenders also attempted to break into Cocktails on Todmorden Road at 9.40pm, but were disturbed by a passing jogger. The thieves fled in a dark blue Volvo Estate.

Another business who did not wished to be named suffered a break in on Monday 3 October at 10.15 pm.

The offenders forced their way in and ransacked the Church Street property before leaving empty-handed.

A spokesperson for GMP said: “Anyone with information is asked to contact GMP by calling 101 and quoting any of the following reference numbers: 0649 of 02/10/16, 2579 of 03/10/16, 2507 of 03/10/16, or 760 of 04/10/16.

“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”