Stolen 4x4 used in ram-raid on tool-hire centre

THIEVES ram-raided a Leicestershire tool-hire store using a stolen 4x4.

The gang used three vehicles in the raid at the Plantool Hire Centre Lutterworth at 5.20am on Wednesday last week, making off thousands of pounds worth of tools.

A stolen Mitsubishi Shogun was used to smash into the Leicester Road store, which suffered extensive damage.

The 4x4, which had been stolen in Leicester, was abandoned after it collided with a car driven by a mem- ber of the public.

A police spokesman said: “A Mitsubishi Shogun was used to smash the window of a building and enter the premises. It’s believed the Shogun was stolen overnight from Leicester.

“It was left at the scene after it was involved in a collision with a car belonging to a member of the public. No one was injured in the collision.

“The suspects made off in two other vehicles, a Ford Focus and a Transit van.

“Tools were stolen during the incident. Inquiries are in the early stages and officers are continuing their investigations at the scene.

“We would urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident to get in touch. Did you see three vehicles approaching the area or two vehicles driving away during the early hours of this morning? If so please contact us.”

According to Plantool’s managing director Ben Jones, between £20,000 to £25,000 worth of tools were taken in the raid – which caused about £15,000 of damage to the building and a further £12,000 of damage to equipment inside. Anyone with information should contact the police on 101. The incident happened on October 3.