POLICE are investigating after a high value metal theft.

The theft happened at the Yorkshire Water site on Colburn Lane, in Catterick Village, between 5pm on Thursday and 7am on Friday, when thieves broke into a secure compound and stole a large metal inlet screen basket.

The basket forms an integral part of the water treatment plant and is valued at around £15,000.

Police Constable Nicola Pattinson, of the Catterick safer neighbourhood team, said: "As the inlet basket is purpose built for use within the water treatment plant, I believe that it was stolen for its scrap value.

"I am therefore appealing to any scrap metal dealers who may have been offered the basket to contact me as soon as possible.

"I would also like to speak to anyone who witnessed the theft or saw the metal basket being taken away."

Anyone with information can contact PC Nicola Pattinson on 0845-60-60-247, quoting reference number 12110075153.