Easter eggs lorry theft

The incident happened near Lichfield on the northbound carriageway of the A38, just north of Fradley, between 5.30am and 6am yesterday.

The driver was parked in a lay-by in his white Mercedes heavy tractor arctic unit – registration KX56 LDL – when approached by the thief.

Police say the thief knocked on the driver's door to say he had lost part of his load. The driver got out to discover 20 Easter eggs had fallen on the layby behind.

But, while he was trying to load them up, the thief stole the £50,000 tractor unit, its £30,000 trailer and the £70,000 load of Easter eggs.

A second man then sped off in a grey Subaru Impreza, leaving the driver standing in the lay-by.

The lorry also contained a £50 Nokia mobile phone and driving licence.

Peter Stevens, spokesman for Staffordshire Police, said: "These eggs will be distributed by the thieves and so the lorry has got to be unloaded.

"The eggs will be sold on, possibly at Lichfield pubs, clubs or car boot sales. Businesses may be approached. We need to know."

Mr Stevens said the driver, who works for a haulage company based in the North West, was not hurt in the incident.

The lorry thief is described as white, aged between 25 and 30, 5ft 10in tall, with a stocky build. He had short hair and spoke with a local accent.

Tony Bilsborough, head of communications at Cadbury, said the stolen haul was not a significant amount and the company would replace all the order.

"We estimate about 10,000 to 15,000 Easter eggs were stolen, and they were mainly Mini Egg Easter eggs," he added.