FOOD outlets are being warned to be on the alert for offers of 'back bacon' after a £30,000 insulated van containing meat valued at thousands of pounds was stolen from Evesham.

Thieves loaded bacon from a second vehicle, a red Mercedes, into a white Scania - registration X866 ABA - before driving off from Cotswold Provisions, Briar Close, between 6pm on Monday, January 16, and 6am on Tuesday, January 17.

Police believe that as each pack of bacon carries the company's post-code - WR11 4JT - and an exclusive product reference - UKPR009PEEC - they will be easier to identify and more difficult for the thieves to pass on. A police spokesman said: "Anyone in the catering business - from the bacon sandwich stand in the local lay-by to hotel chains and well known restaurants - could be targeted with this product.

"We urge any individual - or business - who is approached by an unexpexcted source to be extremely careful about what they are offered and, if at all suspicious, contact us as quickly as possible."

Police have also urged the public to be on the alert for the vehicle if it has been dumped or is being used for other purposes.

"If anyone has any suspicions whatsoever about a white Scania box van - which by now probably has a different registration number - they see being used or parked up, they should contact us immediately," the spokesman added.

Police can be contacted on 08457 444 888, quoting 62S/170106.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on

0800 555111.