DETECTIVES in Burnley are appealing for information after a business was twice robbed of thousands of pounds worth of stock in less than a week.

In the space of four days the 2Wheel Supermarket in Accrington Road has been targeted by a gang of thieves who have stolen motorbikes, quad bikes, scooters, helmets, motorbike leathers and other accessories.

On Thursday, January 10, workers at the store locked up at 6pm as normal and left for the day but when they returned at 8.30am the following morning they discovered burglars had struck.

During that raid, 80 motorcycle helmets were stolen with a total value of £6,000.

The haul of distinctive headgear includes helmets made by Lazer X, Dynamo and K-Berg.

The owners were horrifed when the store was targeted again just four days later.

The second robbery took place some time between 6pm on Sunday and 8.30am Monday.

The same point of entry was used in both raids and the short period of time between each of the burglaries has led detectives to conclude that the same gang are responsible for both.

Yesterday management at the store were too upset to discuss the break-ins.

Loss assessors have been called in are still trying to put a final figure on what has been stolen.

Manager of the store Ian Nelthorpe said: "I am just trying to get the business back on its feet. That is my main concern at the moment."

Det Sgt Fleming of Burnley CID said: "It would be naive to think that it was not the same people who returned to complete the task.

"At least one large vehicle must have been parked on the road or nearby for quite some time so there is a good chance that someone could have seen something.

"We are also asking anyone who may be offered motorcycles, quad bikes or motorcycle accessories to contact us."

Sgt Fleming can be reached at Burnley CID on 01282 425001.

Any information can also be passed on to East Lancashire Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.