A GANG of masked men tried to break into a car refurb shop in Bromley Cross – but were foiled by the premises’ anti-snap locks and fled empty-handed.

CCTV footage shows that the criminals targeted Enhance Car Care on Guild Street in the early hours of Monday.

Three men are seen using tools trying to force their way into the building but after a few minutes they give up and get into a car, driven by a fourth culprit.

The video also shows that one of the men was armed with a large knife.

The Bolton News:

Three masked men try and break into the premisesThe Bolton News:

Three masked men try and break into Enhance Car Care in Bromley Cross

The Bolton News:

One of the men, right, carries a large knife

Owner Ben Rouse, 26, said: “We believe it happened about 3am. They were there for a good few minutes and had tools to break in, they knew what they were doing.

“They looked like they were experienced in burglaries.

“We do work on prestige cars and I think they were trying to steal them but they did not manage to get in.

“The anti-snapping proof lock obviously stopped them.

“They still caused damage to the door though as they drilled the lock mechanism which caused a lot of external damage to the door.

“It has cost £350 just to fix the lock mechanism.”

The Bolton News:

Damage caused to the lock after the attempted burglary

It is not the first time burglars have struck at the property.

The business was only opened in January 2020 and the following month thieves broke in and left the company around £3,000 out of pocket.

Machinery and money was taken and the premises were ransacked. Following the raid the locking system was strengthened.

Greater Manchester Police are investigating the latest incident.

A force spokesman said: “On Monday, officers were called to a report of an attempted burglary off Darwen Road in Bromley Cross, Bolton.

“Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 2,083 of January 11. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”