BURGLARS may have deliberately targeted a computer store to get their hands on what could be the biggest selling game of the year.

The thieves broke into the Chips computer store, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, taking Halo 3 games and limited edition X-box 360 Halo branded consoles with a total value of £12,000.

Halo 3, created by Microsoft, is the latest in a trilogy of games and does not go on sale in the shops until Wednesday.

Demand for the game and the new consoles is expected to be extremely high.

One theory that police are working on is that burglars deliberately targeted the Zetland Street store for the consoles and games, which will retail at £279.99 and £50 each respectively.

Managing director Nik Agar said: "If anyone is offered any machines or games, I would urge them to contact the police.

"Halo 3 is in extremely short supply and many customers have ordered it months in advance to ensure they get their hands on one on launch day.

"This raid is a huge blow to us. Apart from the loss of stock, there has been extensive damage to the store which will cost at least £2,000 to put right.

"We are devastated that the limited edition stock we worked so hard to obtain for our customers is now in the hands of raiders."

The burglars broke into the shop at 8.50pm on Saturday by prising open a rear door.

It is thought that they used a vehicle to move the stock.

Debra McCabe, of Chips, said: "If they didn't know they were getting them, they have a massive bonus because they are the only people in the land who will have their hands on it.

"Hopefully, it will mean they will find it difficult to get rid of them."

A Microsoft spokesman said: "We will work with the police to help them find the people who did this

"There is enormous demand for this game and it is estimated that Halo could make $200m in the US alone on its first weekend."