A POLICE investigation is underway after thousands-of-pounds worth of electrical items were stolen from a computer games shop this week.

A large quantity of mobile phones and electronic tablets were stolen from Grainger Games in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, during the early hours of Tuesday, July 8.

Detective Constable Gavin Wilkes said it is believed the burglary took place at around 3am and that the thieves gained access to the premises via the roof.

“I would urge anyone with information about the burglary, or the whereabouts of the stolen items, to contact us,” he said.

“We’d particularly like to hear from anyone who might have spotted someone carrying ladders in Bishop Auckland town centre in the early hours of Tuesday.”

DC Wilkes advised members of the public to be vigilant when purchasing mobile phones and tablet computers second hand, adding: “If stolen phones are traced by police they will be seized and returned to the original owner.

“Unfortunately, the person from whom they are taken will receive no remuneration for their loss, hence the importance of knowing where the device has come from before you buy it.”

Anyone with information should contact DC Wilkes at Bishop Auckland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.