Selby police are investigating after thousands of pounds worth of brand new tyres were stolen from the back of a truck in Kirk Smeaton.
Officers conducting routine patrols of truck stops in the area at around 1.45am today (Tuesday 14 June 2011), discovered the theft from a Slovakian lorry which was parked in a lay-by on the A1 southbound carriageway at the junction with Middlefield Lane.
Police noticed that a large section of curtain had been cut out of the side of the vehicle and after waking the driver, who was asleep in his cab, he confirmed that between 85 and 100 Pirelli tyres worth over £16,000 had been stolen.
Two different sizes of tyre, worth between £200 and £400 each, were taken – 17inch which are commonly used on saloon cars such as Volkswagen Passats and Skoda Octavias and 19inch tyres which are used on Range Rovers and other 4×4 vehicles.
Officers believe that a large vehicle must have pulled up alongside the Slovakian HGV to carry out the theft and are appealing for anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area at the time of the incident to come forward.
PC David Clark, of Selby Police, said: “The driver of the lorry believes that he heard something around 20 minutes before we discovered the theft, however the tyres could have been taken any time overnight.
“The thieves must have taken sometime to remove the load and there must have been at least two people involved. As well as stealing the tyres, they also made an unsuccessful attempt to enter the diesel tank.
“I am appealing to anyone who used the lay-by or spotted any people or vehicles acting unusually in the area around the time of the theft to contact the police or Crimestoppers with information.
“I would also urge anyone who has been offered any tyres for sale recently to get in touch.”
Anyone who can help the police with their enquires is urged to contact PC David Clark, of Selby Police, on 0845 60 60 24 7, quoting reference number 12110097321.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
