Burglars have stolen all the catering equipment from a takeaway forcing the business to close temporarily.

A safe containing three days of takings was also stolen at Mary D’s on Bradford Road, Cleckheaton.

Margaret Scott, who runs the takeaway with Mary Duggan, said they were informed of the incident early yesterday when a workman noticed the break-in.

She said: “It was a massive shock. We thought it might just have been the till, but they’ve taken all of the fryers and we’ve got nothing left. They’ve taken everything.”

Mrs Scott said that shutters had been removed from the back door, with the thieves then smashing a window to gain access.

“The police have told us it seems like a professional job as the gas pipes had been cut, as well as the phone lines and alarm,” she said.

“They must have been in there for over an hour.”

West Yorkshire Police confirmed they had been called to the property at 7.40am on Wednesday, adding that CCTV inquiries were ongoing.

The owners say they are considering ways to replace the stolen equipment and hope to have the takeaway, which has been in business for 20 years, up and running next week.

“Everything may have gone, but they won’t keep us down”, said Mrs Scott. “This is the first time anything like this has happened and we hope it’s the last. It just makes us more determined to keep going.”

Anyone who witnessed or has any information regarding the incident should contact West Yorkshire Police on their 101 non-emergency number or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.