A CO-OP store became the latest victim of a Horwich crime wave when it was raided over the weekend.

A thug wearing a red coat and hoodie smashed a window of the store in Winter Hey Lane at about 4.50am on Sunday.

He smashed a window, went behind the counter and then stole the cash register, before fleeing through a fire escape.

This burglary is the latest in a spate of non-domestic break-ins in Horwich in the last month.

Police said that 17 burglaries of shops, garages and industrial units were carried out in July, before the Co-op raid.

Officers described the crime spate as "totally against the norm", with the property taken in each break-in varying.

All the raids were carried out overnight.

Detectives are targeting the criminals they believe to be responsible — with two groups being linked to the spike, with an increase in car crime in Horwich also being recorded in July.

But officers are urging anyone with information to contact them to help them build intelligence.

Police responded to the Co-op break-in within just two minutes because of emergency activation at the shop, but the culprit had already made off.

CCTV images have been released of the offender entering and leaving the store.

Insp Wayne Readfern, of Bolton North neighbourhood policing team, said: "We have a pretty good idea who is committing these offences and I am sure it's only a matter of time before these criminals are apprehended.

"However, if this spike in crime is allowed to continue, more people could suffer beforehand.

"I would like the community of Horwich to be extra vigilant, especially with regard to anybody sneaking around overnight.

"The public are encouraged to report any suspicious circumstances , trying to provide a description and direction of travel.

"Ensure that you have a substantial lock on your sheds and garages and check the bulbs in your outside light.

"Criminals hate being illuminated, so remember to set your alarms on businesses and, if you keep expensive items in your shed, consider securing it with a chain and padlock."

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.