Thieves' 4x4 raid on shop

Thieves drove a car into a motorcycle equipment store in Cannock and fled with thousands of pounds of specialist clothing and helmets.

A 4x4 car, with three men inside, reversed into the shutter doors of Motorcycle Essentials at shortly after 10pm on Sunday.

People nearby who heard the door smashing called police but the thieves rushed inside and grabbed items before fleeing towards National Tyres in Longford.

It is the second time the firm, which has been based at Prospect Business Park in Longford Road for six years, has been targeted, after thieves cut a hole into the wall to get inside around three months ago.

A spokesman for the company, who did not want to be named, said security barriers close to the doors had been cut off before the car was reversed into the building.

He said: "They ran in and grabbed a lot of gear before leaving. We're putting together details of what was taken but there was textile clothing, leathers and helmets. I'm gutted really and I'd like to kill them."

The raid is being linked to an attempted break-in an hour earlier at nearby Apol Tool Hire on Longford Industrial Estate. Would-be thieves tried to force the roller shutter doors open with a crowbar but activated the alarm and left empty-handed.

Witnesses should call Detective Inspector Jane Hewett at Cannock Police on 08453 302010 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.