Coronation Street was hit by real thieves while actors were filming scenes for a new storyline nearby.
The thieves targeted a nearby storage unit base, just before midday yesterday, before making off with a generator.
A number of Corrie stars were filming scenes, close to Bolton Rugby Union Club, when the incident took place.
An ITV spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a small domestic generator was stolen during a low-level opportunistic theft from the unit base of filming today for Coronation Street whilst the crew were on location in Bolton.
"The programme's cast and crew weren't at the unit base at the time.
"The incident was reported to the police and filming wasn't affected."
Corrie Spoilers - Carla blamed for killer factory collapse as Kate struggles with her grief
Meanwhile a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: " We were called at around 11.30 yesterday to reports of an armed robbery at Bolton Rugby Union Club.
"A generator was reported stolen."
The ECHO understand the investigation is now being treated as a suspected armed robbery.
Coronation Street viewers convinced they've caught factory collapse culprit
Next week sees the Coronation Street residents struggle to come to terms with Rana's death following last week's dramatic factory collapse.
In the aftermath Rana's family face the devastation, grief and anger that comes with losing a loved one.
On Sunday as tributes are laid outside the factory, Carla, Nick and Gary are all aware they could be looking at a manslaughter charge if it’s proved they knew how dangerous the roof was.
And on Wednesday, as Rana's family prepare for her funeral, several people are eager to point the finger of blame following the factory collapse.
But who really is to blame for the factory collapse?
*Coronation Street continues on ITV on Sunday at 7:30pm*
