DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses after a £40,000 JCB was stolen from a farm in Malton.

The yellow loader was taken some time between 7pm on March 17 and 9.30am on March 18. Officers believe the loader, which carries a 60 registration plate, was either transported away from the farm on Butterwick Road using a low loader or was simply driven away by thieves.

Officers are appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area around the time of the theft to get in touch.

Anyone who can help officers with their inquiries should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and ask for Detective Sergeant Steve Paxton or Scarborough CID.