Birro Shoe Repairs, in Newtown, and Robert Brannon Hair Salon, at Bank Buildings, were broken into overnight last Wednesday, February 24th.

Thieves forced open a window and climbed into Birro Shoe Repairs before making off with 90 Zippo lighters of various colours and designs. The lighters were worth about £600 altogether and £25 in cash and a black holdall worth £10 were also taken.

The incident happened between 5 p.m. on the Wednesday and 9 a.m. the following day.

On the same night, thieves smashed the back window of Robert Brannon Hair Salon to gain entry to the building. They raided the till in the shop but only found £10 in cash. The burglary occurred between 11 p.m. on the Wednesday and 9 a.m. the following day.

Sgt Brian Strickland from Barnoldswick Police said: "We cannot say for certain whether these incidents are connected but it seems a coincidence they were in close proximity to each other within a similar time span.

"We would urge anyone with information about to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the police on 0845 125 3545".