THE net is closing in on thieves who broke into Leigh's Yoshin-Rhu Judo Club stealing samurai swords and other items worth £2,500.

For a local man saw the thieves making off with their booty in two wheelie bins later found to have been stolen from a house in Coniston Street.

The cheeky culprits wheeled the bins through the streets towards Walmsley Road, along the Atherleigh Way bypass to Wigan Road before dumping the bins and making off with the loot.

Two head protection helmets were later recovered and police are checking for fingerprints in the hope the thieves have a criminal record.

Chief instructor Eric Hayes, who is offering a substantial reward for the return of the samurai swords which were a birthday gift, said he is now trying to trace the man who spotted the thieves who disappeared after passing on details of the route the thieves took.

Mr. Hayes said: "I desperately want this chap to come forward for I'm convinced he knows who the thieves are but is keeping quiet because he is scared. If he will ring me up and give me a name, or even drop me a note, then it could solve this case and could recover the stolen items."

Mr. Hayes can be contacted on 01942 514696.

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