A THIEF pretending to be part of the roadworks team in Worcester's Barbourne stole two mini-dumper trucks - worth a total of £20,000.

The identical Thwaites one-ton machines were taken at about 2pm on Sunday after the man - wearing a high-visibility jacket and safety hat - gained entry to the contractor's equipment security area in Shrubbery Avenue.

The bright yellow 'dumpers' - both bearing the J. Murphy & Sons green and white logo - were taken away on a flat-bed trailer towed by an un-identified 4x4 vehicle.

"The thieves were dressed in high-visibility jackets and safety-hats and were obviously convincing as no members of the local community dialled 999 believing that a crime was taking place," said a Worcester Police spokesman.

Officers want to hear from anyone who saw anything at all suspicious in the area at around the given time or the vehicles - registration numbers LK57 LLU and LK06 LYU - being driven away from Shrubbery Avenue or elsewhere later.

They also warned construction contractors and associated companies to be on the alert for offers of mechanical equipment from suspect sources.

They can be contacted on 08457 444888, quoting 159S/110208. Information can also be given - anonymously - to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.