MOBILE phones and phone cards worth around £40,000 have been stolen by 'professional' burglars.

The raiders broke into the Carphone Warehouse, Silver Street, Durham City, through the roof, subdued the alarm system and smashed their way into a storeroom before taking phones worth £35,000 and SIM and pre-pay cards worth several thousand pounds.

The break-in happened between 11pm on Monday night and the early hours of Tuesday.

Sgt Paul Hadden said: "This has all the hallmarks of a well organised job which has been planned in some detail.''

Police believe the thieves made off towards Prebends Bridge where a vehicle was waiting.

Anyone with information should call Durham CID on (0191) 386 4222 or Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111.