DESIGNER label thieves have "cleaned out" a fitness shop.

The gang smashed their way into the Bodyzone fitness club in Guisborough, east Cleveland, and stole every article of clothing in the shop.

The shop opened just six months ago.

The thieves used the centre's own wheelie bins, after first emptying them of rubbish, to trundle £3,500 worth of designer clothing to a waiting vehicle.

Staff came to work to find a shop full of nothing but empty clothes rails where once there had been more than 200 brand label jackets, training wear, T-shirts, boxer shorts, socks and trainers.

Even clothes put away for customers' Christmas presents were stolen in the raid.

Police said the burglars broke open the till in the gym, and also stole stereo equipment - scattering CDs that did not appeal to them across the floor.

To reach the shop the crooks smashed their way through three doors.

The stolen clothes carried the labels of Reebok, Adidas, Lecoq Sportif, Nike, Box Fresh and Higgins.

Detectives appealed yesterday to anyone offered cheap sports and designer wear to call them on (01642) 302026.