POLICE believe local residents or passers-by may have seen a Ford Transit van being stolen from Worcester and then abandoned at Hagley.

The blue van, with a Morganite Crucible Ltd sign, was taken from the company's premises in Woodbury Lane, Norton, near Worcester, between 1.30pm on Saturday, February 9, and 6am on Sunday, February 10.

A resident of Pinewood Court, Hagley, called police at 8.40am on Monday, February 11, saying the vehicle had been left there overnight.

"We are hopeful someone may have seen either the vehicle being taken from the company's premises or it being abandoned and the thief - or thieves - probably making off in another vehicle," said a south Worcestershire police spokesman.

Anyone who believes they saw something that might help police - no matter how un-important they think it might be - should call 08457 444 888, quoting 159S/100208. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.