POLICE are searching for thieves who stole vehicle parts from a pet supplies company.

A van belonging to Applejacks Pet Supplies was parked in the Shrublands flat car park, off Bromley Road, Elmstead Market, between July 14 and 15.

A spokesman for the Brightlingsea-based company said: “The whole exhaust, including the catalytic converter and lambda sensor, were taken in the early hours.

“The van would have been clearly visible to anybody driving down Bromley Road on the approach to the traffic lights.

“A neighbour spotted somebody leaving the site just after midnight, carrying a large item.

“They turned down the path towards Old School Lane.

“Seconds later, a small hatchback car sped through the traffic lights.”

Company bosses called police and hope the public can help catch the culprits before they strike again.

The spokesman added: “The items stolen would have been fairly large and obvious, so any passing motorists would have easily spotted the individual carrying them.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.