A BUSINESSMAN has put up a substantial reward to trace thieves who stole around £30,000 of property from his company.

Mike Sweeney, owner of Classic Guide Windows and Conservatories, spoke as police warned people to be on the look-out for thieves trying to sell their haul.

A storage unit at the company, based at the Junction 4 M65 services, was burgled between 6pm on Friday and 8am on Monday.

The raiders escaped with UPVC conservatory frames as well as tools and industrial lighting equipment.

Mr Sweeney, 41, said: "They have taken doors and frames for orders which were due to be fitted this week. Fortunately we've been able to reorder them, but it has been a headache.

"I am offering a substantial reward for information leading to the arrest of those involved. To stamp out this kind of crime we need to be offering rewards to let these criminals know they will get caught.

"Under no circumstances will we be letting this go. The items stolen will be no use to anyone else because they are made to a certain size for the customer."

DC Mark Oates, of Darwen CID, said: "Whoever committed the offence must have access to a very large van or lorry.

"The petrol station is open 24 hours and other premises around there are visited at strange times of the day so we are appealing for anyone who saw a vehicle or heard anything to come forward.

"These people are going to be looking for some kind of outlet where they can sell these items so we would also like to hear from anyone approached."

Anyone with information should contact Darwen CID on 01254 353841 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.