NEW security measures are being planned for a computer shop after raiders managed to bypass an alarm and break in.

The area manager of Chips computer store, in Clark's Yard, Darlington, was awoken when the shop's back-up alarm triggered a remote telephone call to his home at 12.20am yesterday.

When he arrived at the shop, the thieves made off with a quantity of computer equipment and cash.

Police will be checking closed circuit television footage in the town centre as they investigate the burglary.

Don McCabe, partner, said the raiders had cut phone lines to disable the alarm before breaking into the store through a first floor window.

He said the company planned to installed a more sophisticated security system which uses hidden video cameras to film unwanted intruders.

Anybody who has any information is urged to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.