POLICE in Blackburn are appealing for information following the theft of 49 rolls of carpet from a warehouse.

Thieves entered the Cavalier Carpets warehouse in Thompson Street Industrial Estate, Blackburn, at around 10.30 pm on Wednesday night.

Police said they believed the thieves loaded the carpets, valued at £11,500, into a large goods vehicle before making off.

PC Paul Schofield is leading the enquiry into the theft and is appealing for information.

He said: "The thieves have been very methodical in carrying out this burglary. They have used quite sophisticated equipment and have obviously planned well in advance.

"There is no doubt that they must have been at the warehouse for some time and, that being the case, somebody may have seen something unusual in the area."

A4-size leaflets had been put into every carpet to alert the customer to stop and check that they have the correct carpet.

The flyer is printed in bright red on a white background and has the Cavalier Carpets logo at the top.

PC Schofield said: "If anybody buys a carpet, from anywhere other than Cavalier Carpets, and finds this flyer inside it is probably stolen and I urge them to contact Blackburn police."

Anyone with information can contact PC Schofield at Blackburn Police Station on 01254 51212 quoting reference number 33EQ/070202, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.