£30k forklift truck stolen from building site

A thief broke into the Carlton Road site for the new Batley and Dewsbury fire station using bolt cutters at around 5am this morning (Wednesday 27).

They then broke into the bright yellow JCB forklift truck and drove off at 5.11am.

Police are currently examining CCTV footage.

The vehicle, which was only bought two weeks ago, was seen passing Redbrick Mill at 5.15am and turned off somewhere after the Shell garage.

It belongs to Thomas Crompton Demolitions, of Bradford, who are knocking down an old mill to make way for the new fire station, which is due to open in October 2015.

Mr Crompton is offering a substantial reward for information leading to the return of the truck.

He said: “This is a big loss and we are desperate to find it.”

Call police on 101 or Thomas Crompton’s on 01274 726777.