Thieves raided a cash and carry after hiding in a store room until it was closed.

Police believe the burglars struck overnight after the owners of the Madina Cash and Carry, Bolton had locked up for the night.

The thieves stole cigarettes worth £500 before kicking their way through an internal door and escaping through a ground floor window.

When 21-year-old Mujahid Mohammed, who started the business with his father three months ago, opened up he was shocked to find his store had been burgled.

He said he does not know how the thieves managed to do it.

"We have only been here three months and this is the second time we have been burgled. When I came in the till had been moved and the door was smashed," said Mr Mohammed, who does not keep cash in his shop overnight.

"They did a lot of damage to the door and to the window," he said.

Mr Mohammed has pledged to carry on and make a success of his new enterprise, despite the criminals targeting his business.

"It was bad when I came in and saw the damage again. I was annoyed. But we will carry on. You are on the losing side if you stop because of them."

A police spokesman confirmed they were investigating the break-in.

"It is believed the offenders were hiding inside the premises before closing. They then stole cigarettes before kicking their way through a downstairs door and got out through a UPVC window," he said.

Anybody who thinks they may have witnessed anything suspicious, or has any information about this burglary, is asked to call police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

4:59pm Wednesday 7th May 2008

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