Dairy targeted by thieves who stole milk float and then set it alight

THIEVES have targeted Wisbech Dairy Crest for the second time in as many weeks, and in the latest incident they stole and then set fire to a milk float. It is believed the thieves targeted the dairy because of the value of the lead in the vehicles batter

THIEVES have targeted Wisbech Dairy Crest for the second time in as many weeks, and in the latest incident they stole and then set fire to a milk float.

It is believed the thieves targeted the dairy because of the value of the lead in the vehicles' batteries.

In the first incident before Christmas thieves stole a battery worth �4,000. But in the latest incident on Wednesday a milk float was stolen and then set alight.

The milk float was stolen from the site in Begdale Road and later found abandoned in New Bridge Lane.

The offenders had entered the secure compound by cutting a fence and drove the milk float away.

The lead batteries had been removed form the vehicle and it had been set on fire.

Jim Maskell, manager at the dairy, said that the theft of the milk float had not disrupted service, and that all the 300 customers in Wisbech had still received their milk, as they had delivered it with another vehicle.

But he said it had been the second theft in two weeks.

He said that it was still business as usual and that security had been stepped up at the site.

Crime Reduction Manager, Trevor Bracken, from Cambridgeshire Police, said: "It is possible the milk float was stolen because of the value of the lead in the batteries.

"Battery-powered vehicles are particularly vulnerable and I would recommend owners are extra vigilant."

Anyone with information should contact the Wisbech Neighbourhood Police Team on 0345 4564564.