DETECTIVES are hunting three masked thieves who broke into a distribution centre and stole £250,000 of mobile phones.

A total of 170 iPhone 6s phones and 380 Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo phones were stolen from Exertis UK Ltd which is based on Altham Business Park.

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The 'planned and organised' break-in happened between midnight and 2.30am on Monday, but police said two men were captured on CCTV carrying out suspicious surveillance of the site in Shorten Brook Way at 11.30pm on Saturday.

The men fled when they were challenged by security guards.

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Detectives said the two incidents are being linked.

Community leaders slammed the theft as 'disgraceful' and said the break in would have a lasting effect on the business.

Officers said during Monday's raid three thieves unbolted security bars from the window and removed the beading and glass pane to get into a warehouse.

After carrying out a short search of the building they located the boxed mobile phones and passed them out through the window, before climbing out, police said.

Detectives said there was no 'confrontation' with security staff.

The gang had their faces covered with scarves or hoods, but no descriptions have been released by police.

The kind of vehicle used, if any, to transport the phones away has also not been released.

Yesterday, police were examining CCTV and appealed for any businesses who have cameras in the area to get in contact.

DS Melissa Kelly, of East Lancashire CID, said: "This was an organised and planned burglary.

“We are conducting inquiries in the area and we are keen to hear from anyone who has any information that could assist with our on-going investigation. "Two men were disturbed near to the premises the previous evening and we believe this could be linked to the burglary.

"If anyone witnessed any suspicious activity nearby then please get in touch.

“I would also urge anyone who may have been offered an iPhone 6S or Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo to contact us with any information.”

Following the theft Hyndburn Council leader and Altham ward councillor Miles Parkinson said: "It is disgraceful that this has happened.

"It a concern that a company which deals in high-end products has been targeted by what appears to be an organised crime gang.

"We have to put things in to perspective but you do have to look at consequences that this kind of burglary has on the company and its staff.

"I would encourage all businesses in the area to look at ways in which they can improve their security and in this case I hope the culprits are caught and swiftly brought to justice."

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones said: "This is concerning.

"It's never good to see businesses put on the back foot because of criminal activity.

"Police resources are stretched and it's important that we combat crime, including commercial crime.

"The cuts to the police force just make it more difficult to prevent or even tackle criminal activity."

A spokeswoman for Exertis UK said: “We are currently dealing with the incident on Monday night and we are not in a position to comment at this time.

“We are working with the police to help with their investigation.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting log 212 of 1st February.