Probe as Telford Golden Bear toy factory targeted

Thieves fled empty-handed after an attempted break-in at the Golden Bear toy factory in Telford.

The factory, which produces the Olympic mascots, Thomas the Tank Engine and Peppa Pig stuffed toys, was targeted some time last night.

Police officers believe that the company was possibly one of several which may have been targeted on the Hortonwood Industrial Estate.

Police spokeswoman Denise Wakefield said: "At just after 6.10pm, two men who were working upstairs at the toy company became aware that the warehouse alarm downstairs was going off.

"They immediately went downstairs and turned off the alarm.

"On leaving the premises and resetting the alarm around 50 minutes later, the two men noticed the door to the warehouse was damaged on the outside and that there were a number of marks around the lock where an implement of some sort had been used to try to prise it off."

Phil Hancox, operations manager at Golden Bear, said that the thieves had not got inside the building.

"After an attempted break-in, of which entrance was not gained, security has been reviewed and tightened," he said.

At least £150 of damage was caused to the door, but police confirmed no-one managed to access the warehouse.

Forensic officers were due to visit the warehouse and police will also be studying CCTV footage from around the industrial estate to see whether that offers any clues as to who tried to break into the warehouse.

Mrs Wakefield said: "Officers investigating this incident are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area last night as they suspect the thieves may well have targeted other business premises too."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police in Telford on 0300 333 3000 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.