POLICE are appealing for help in tracking down those responsible for the theft of two mini-diggers and a loader overnight this week from premises in Thornton-in-Lonsdale, near Ingleton.

Two Kobelco SK10SR mini -diggers and an Avanti compact loader were taken from a yard between 5.30pm on Monday (February 12) and 7.30am on Tuesday.

Police believe thieves got into the yard by going through fields at the rear of the premises and cutting large holes in the perimeter fence.

A police spokesperson said: "CCTV enquiries show the suspects leaving the scene at 10.05pm on Monday in a wagon which is possibly a flat-bed. It is believed to be blue in colour due to fresh paint marks left on a wall at the scene. The suspect vehicle is believed to have either travelled towards Kirkby Lonsdale on the A65 or towards Burton-in-Lonsdale on the A867."

Police are asking for anyone who saw anything, or who may have CCTV covering the routes to get in touch by calling the non-emergency 101 number, quoting incident number 1224 002 6805. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or online at: www.crimestoppers-uk.org