POLICE have uncovered a huge array of stolen goods believed to be taken from stores throughout a town.

The haul, worth several thousand pounds, included perfume, aftershave, jewellery, clothing and many other items that would probably have been given as Christmas presents.

Police in Middlesbrough hope to return the items to the stores from which they were stolen.

Inspector Mike Trubshaw said: “Local retailers bear the brunt of the seasonal surge in theft from their stores at this time of the year, but this recovery will hopefully send out a message to the thieves and those concerned with the handling of stolen property that they are being watched, and will be prosecuted.”

A woman has been bailed in connection with handling stolen goods.