THE CO-OP convenience store in Scholes which was targeted in a ram raid in the early hours of Saturday morning saw the would-be thieves thwarted by fog cannons.

The burglary left the shop on Westfield Lane extensively damaged but staff ensured it was open again by lunchtime.

A Co-op spokesperson said: "Thieves fled from fog cannons, which deploy a dense fog to obscure visions.

"It is understood that nothing was taken and the thieves fled empty handed from the Co-op.

"Fog cannons are among a series of investments in innovative technology at Co-op food stores to keep to combat retail crime. Safety and security is our number one priority."

The spokesperson added: "We know that violence and crime is about much more than statistics, it is about its impact on people’s lives and the communities in which they live and work.

"As a community-based organisation we see the impact of social issues in our stores.

"We’re committed to playing our part and investing in the latest technology to do all we can to protect colleagues and make our communities safer.

"We appeal for anyone who may have seen or heard anything to come forward to the police."

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "West Yorkshire Police are investigating a burglary at a commercial premises on Westfield Lane in Scholes in the early hours of Saturday morning.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

The Scholes store is the latest Co-op in the district to be targeted.

Last weekend, the Wilsden branch became the fourth store to be raided by axe-wielding robbers in 17 days.

Armed robbers burst into the Royd Street shop at 8.30pm and stole cash and cigarettes before fleeing the scene.

Wibsey's Co-op was the first to be raided on March 7, followed by the Queensbury shop on March 19 and the Denholme shop 48 hours later.

All were carried out by men with axes, who stole cash and cigarettes.

Co-ops in the district have also be targeted in the past by ram raiders who tried to steal the ATMs.