Thieves raid shopping centre (From Wiltshire Times)

Thieves raid shopping centre

3:18pm Sunday 10th August 2008 in Trowbridge By Charley Morgan

THIEVES who raided a shopping centre in Trowbridge are believed to have disguised themselves as security guards.

A group broke into Castle Place Shopping Centre overnight between Monday and Tuesday, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage and stealing almost £6,000 worth of stock from Wilkinson's.

Detectives believe they may have dressed up as security guards after stealing uniforms and walkie-talkies from a security office inside the shopping centre.

Detective Constable Keith Harford, of Trowbridge CID, said: "We believe that when they broke into the security office they stole the uniforms and used them to walk around town.

"We are examining CCTV footage that shows one person in what looks like a security uniform walking to the bottom of Castle Street talking into a walkie-talkie."

The group gained entrance to the complex from the top floor of the car park, by Castle Place Leisure Centre and forced their way in. They then broke into the shopping centre's security office and stole uniforms and at least one but possibly two walkie-talkies.

After this the group forced their way into the Wilkinson's store where they attempted to force open the safe and a till.

The thieves then stole goods including perfume, razor blades and other expensive toiletries to the value of £5,700.

During the course of the break-in they caused about £20,000 worth of damage to the shopping centre and store. Wilkinson's was closed to customers on Tuesday morning but reopened later that day.

Police are investigating the burglary and want to hear from anyone with information about anyone acting suspiciously in the Castle Place Shopping Centre area in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Officers also want information about three cars spotted near the scene at the relevant time: a silver Vauxhall Vectra, a maroon Peugeot and a Range Rover Discovery.

A spokesman for Wilkinson's confirmed the break-in and said: "We are working with the police at the moment. There was no-one in the store at the time. We did have some items stolen and the store was closed until 1pm on Tuesday, after which we were open as usual."

Anyone with information about the break-in should contact DC Harford on 0845 408 7000.