THIEVES stole £30,000 in gift vouchers, telephone cards, stamps and cash in a roof-top raid on a city store.

The huge haul was taken when raiders scaled the rear of WH Smith, in Durham's Market Place, and smashed their way in through a window at roof level.

Since the break-in several weeks ago stolen vouchers have been spent at stores throughout the North-East, including those at Gateshead's MetroCentre.

The burglary is one in a series of similar raids being investigated by Durham City CID.

On Friday, January 19, thieves broke into the Post Office, in Silver Street, shortly after closing time.

They fled empty handed after dropping into the building where they were disturbed by a cleaner who raised the alarm.

Last Sunday night, burglars used industrial equipment to cut through a sky light on the roof of Woolworths, also in the Market Place, triggering the alarm.

After an unsuccessful attempt to force their way into a safe they left empty handed.

Detective Sergeant Eric Malkin said although all the raids had been executed at roof level, there were no other obvious links.

But he added that he could not rule out a connection between the break-ins.

He said: "The security of commercial and business premises has been stepped up as a result of the recent raids and further reviews are being carried-out on police advice."

Det Sgt Malkin added that a number of stolen vouchers had been passed on at stores in the North-East and in other force areas.

He urged people who noticed anyone behind buildings in Back Silver Street or Moatside Lane, in Durham, at the time of the burglaries to contact Durham City CID on 0191-386 4222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111