POLICE have warned shoppers to destroy credit card receipts in the fight against thieves.

Criminals have been targeting the town, scouring litter bins for discarded receipts.

After some shop sales, credit card receipts can contain the full card number and expiry date.

These have been found by thieves and used to buy goods.

Police admit gangs in Bolton have been on the hunt for thrown-away receipts to use in the retail ruse.

In some cases, criminals have contacted mail order firms, quoting credit card details taken from receipts, given a false name and bought goods.

Motorists have been told to keep receipts after filling up at petrol stations.

Det Sgt Jack Charnock said: "Keep your receipts. Once your bank statement or credit card bill has confirmed the sale, destroy them."