A PLEA for information has been launched after a van was broken into in a Keighley supermarket car park.

Thieves forced the lock on the Suzuki Carry and took gardening tools worth more than £1,000.

The incident happened outside the Asda store, in Bingley Street, at about 1.30pm on Friday.

The silver van, belonging to Flaurel & Hardy Gardening Services, was targeted during a short period while one of the business owners was inside the store.

“I’d parked quite close to the doors and was in the supermarket for only about 15 minutes,” she told the Keighley News.

“When I came out I noticed the lock had been tampered with and all the power tools had been taken – a petrol strimmer and two hedge trimmers – plus a new weatherproof radio and all the petrol.

“This happened in broad daylight at a busy time. We’re sure somebody must have seen something.

“It probably would have needed more than one person to take the tools away.

“We ask anyone who saw anything at all to please contact the police.”

She added: “We’ve worked hard to build-up the business, so for this to happen is just sickening.

“We have insurance but that won’t cover the full cost of replacing the tools, and meantime we’re having to try to struggle by with limited equipment.

“Plus of course there are the repairs to the vehicle, which is extra cost and takes it off the road.”

Police confirm they are investigating the incident and ask anybody with information to phone 101, or contact them via the website at westyorkshire.police.uk.