THIEVES got away with about £2,400 of catering equipment when they raided a chip van at a stock car racing venue.

Police believe it must have taken the raiders a lot of time to unscrew and remove the items, and load them into a vehicle, at Barford Raceway near Barnard Castle, County Durham.

They took a 3ft by 2ft hotplate valued at £1,800, a fat fryer priced at £450 and a water boiler worth £140 from the van, which serves hot snacks during race meetings.

The theft was discovered at the weekend.

Inspector Kevin Tuck, of Teesdale police, said: "It would have taken the thieves quite a while to get the equipment disconnected and transferred to their vehicle.

"We would like to hear from anyone who may have noticed them at the track or who perhaps saw a vehicle coming away from the Barford area.

"Anyone who is offered catering equipment is also asked to get in touch."

Anyone with information is being asked to call PC Ben Hickson on (01833) 637328.