THOUSANDS of pounds worth of chainsaws were stolen from contractors working on the Chain Bar roundabout near Bradford.

Police are now appealing for information after the three expensive pieces of equipment were taken from a works van by two men who had smashed the rear window to get in.

Police Constable Chris Birkenshaw, from the Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: ‘‘The incident occurred around 2.45pm on Saturday, February 7, when two male suspects were seen to pull up near to the works van in a silver coloured Toyota saloon type vehicle.

‘‘A short time later the rear window of the work van was found to be smashed with three Stihl orange and white coloured chainsaws stolen.

‘"The suspects, who are both described as Asian males, were seen to leave the scene shortly after the theft had taken place.

‘‘Each chainsaw is worth around £800 and is marked with the distinctive initials 'K5'. I would like to hear from anyone who may have been offered these items for sale in the last week or any witnesses to the incident itself."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Chris Birkenshaw at the Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team via 101.