POLICE are connecting the theft of a digger in Droitwich Spa with three other similar incidents in the Worcestershire area.

They have warned construction companies to be on the alert after thieves stole a total of £50,000 worth of equipment over a period of nine days.

A Takeucki three-ton excavator was taken from an address Rectory Lane, Upton Warren, near Droitwich, on January 25 between 4.30 and 11pm.

It was a grey, 360-degree digger and had the words 'H and E Services of Droitwich' painted on it. The haul was worth £25,000 and it also included:

l Three compressed air concrete compactors- one three-inch and two two-inch

l Two nine-inch petrol driven disc cutters

l Three 2.4 KVA petrol generators

l An electrical circular saw

l A petrol driven concrete compactor.

The subsequent incidents took place across Worcestershire between January 26 and February 2.

A police spokesman said: "In addition to the capital costs of the equipment - and increased insurance premiums following claims - these type of thefts have a considerable number of knock-on effects.

"Not least of these are the probable delays in construction progress. These could even result in time penalties being incurred in some instances where completion is delayed."

He urged construction sites to review their levels of security.

Anyone with information about the Droitwich theft can call police on 08457 444888, quoting 78S/260105.