THIEVES are believed to have used specialist equipment to steal a £1,845 bin weighing up to a tonne and a half.

The green hook-lift unit- with the number 144 welded onto it - was taken from Gablemere Logistics, Wassage Way, in Hampton Lovett, near Droitwich, between 5.30pm hours on Tuesday and 8.30am the following day.

Droitwich police are appealing for any information about the whereabouts of the bin, which was on hire from Birmingham-based firm Smurfit Kappa.

A spokesman said: "There is also a chance that it may suddenly appear elsewhere. Anyone who believes they have seen it is encouraged to contact us." He said it could have been taken to cut up and sold as scrap metal.

Anyone with any information can call police on 08457 444888, quoting 132S/090507, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.