BURGLARS broke into a garden centre and targeted a display by local artists.
The art thieves, who struck at Colne Valley Garden Centre on Scar Lane in Golcar, shunned expensive gardening equipment.
Instead, they took paintings by members of Colne Valley Art Society displayed in the centre's Thirsty Gardener Cafe.
The thieves struck at about 7.45pm on Monday.
Centre manager Paddy Walsh said: "They came up the banking from the railway line and cut through the fence.
"They smashed three large windows to get in and caused £700 damage. Once inside they stole around a dozen paintings.
"It's really strange to know we have art thieves in the Colne Valley."
The paintings depicted landscapes, along with wild animals such as horses, foxes and owls.
Call the police on 01484 436659 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
