MOBILE phones and phone cards worth about £40,000 have been stolen by burglars.
The raiders broke into the Carphone Warehouse, Silver Street, Durham City, through the roof.
They 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 and the early hours of Tuesday.
Several makes and models were stolen, including leading names such as Nokia, Samsung and Motorola.
Sergeant 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 for them.
Anyone with information should call Durham CID on 0191-386 4222
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