DETECTIVES investigating a series of burglaries from York shops claim the theft from a perfume shop is linked to three previous offences.

Thieves used a metal drain covering to smash a window to gain entry to Savers in Goodramgate in the early hours of Tuesday, March 17, and stole more than 30 bottles of fragrances from the shop.

North Yorkshire Police said two suspects were seen leaving the scene on bicycles just after 1.10am.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Goodman, of York CID, said the latest crime was strongly linked to three previous burglaries in York city centre in recent weeks, including Links of London jewellers, Bang hair salon and The Whisky Shop.

Three men - aged 24, 30 and 32 - were arrested on suspicion of burglary in connection with the Links of London burglary, and later released on police bail.

A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burgling The Whisky Shop in the early hours of February 12, when 26 bottles of whisky were stolen. He also remains on bail.

Det Sgt Goodman said: "The circumstances surrounding this offence is exactly the same as in the burglaries at the other commercial premises in the same area of York including Links of London, Bang hairdressers and the Whisky Shop. The offences also occurred around the same time of night.

"These crimes are all being linked and are being investigated by the Serious Crime Team at York. I am urging anyone who has any information about any of these incidents to call the police or Crimestoppers."

In the Savers robbery the items stolen included five bottles of Calvin Klein Man, two bottles of Calvin Klein Beauty, six bottles each of Ted Baker and DKNY, seven bottles of Police, three bottles of David Beckham Classic, and one bottle each of Obsession for Men, Paul Smith Passion, James Bond 007, and Caroline Herrara.

Anyone with information, or who has been offered any of the fragrances or whisky for sale, should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, email YorkCID@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk or phone Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.