A CLOTHES shop boss suffered his first burglary in 24 years just hours after workmen accidentally cut off the electricity supply to his burglar alarm.

John Cartwright began worrying about the stock in his exclusive Wardrobe shop after Norweb employees sliced through a cable feeding the Sudell Cross area of Blackburn on Bank Holiday Monday.

And thieves struck later the same day, stealing £8,000-worth of clothes and shoes after the alarm's battery back-up had run down.

Mr Cartwright said: "The battery of the alarm cut in after the power went off but eventually went flat.

"I contacted the police and asked them to keep an eye on the place but the shop was still burgled.

"It is only 20 yards from the police station so you would think it would be all right. "I am annoyed because for 24 years I have had no aggravation at all. The place is like a fortress anyway but if people want to get in they will. All you can do is protect the place as best you can."

The stolen clothes were all large sizes, ranging from 38-inch waist to 44-inch chest upwards.

Mr Cartwright added: "It was either the work of a fat thief, someone who didn't realise what they were taking or someone stealing large sizes to order."

A spokesman for Norweb said: "There was a supply interruption in this area on the day concerned and we are co-operating with the police inquiry into the burglary.

"Alarm systems should always have a sufficient battery back-up to cater for a power fault.

"On the day in question the power was off for less than eight hours."

Blackburn Police are investigating the burglary and appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or who has any information about the theft to contact them.

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