A PAY and display parking ticket machine worth about £5000 has been stolen in Ripon.

The machine was taken from the St Marygate car park on Sunday night when thieves ripped it from its concrete base, possibly using a vehicle, police said.

PC Leah Champion said: “If you were in the area of the St Marygate car park and witnessed any suspicious activity I urge you to come forward and contact the police or Crimestoppers straight away.

“I also need to speak to anyone who may have seen people paying unusual attention to pay and display machines in the days prior to the theft.

Anyone who can help police is asked to phone 101.