AMBITIOUS thieves succeeded in getting away with a huge, bright yellow digger during a raid on a construction site.

The five-tonne JCB excavator was taken from a temporary building site at Ripon bowling club on Bondgate.

It bore the company loco Lee Hill, written in white letters on a blue background, and was taken sometime between Sunday lunchtime and 6.30am the following day.

PC Alister Wilson said: “The thieves would have needed a vehicle to transport the digger from the site, or would have made a lot of noise if they attempted to drive it away.

“I am appealing for anyone who either saw the theft take place, saw the digger in transit, or who knows the current whereabouts of the machine to contact us.”

He added: “The vehicle is quite distinctive and we are urging anyone who is offered plant machinery for sale under dubious circumstances to contact North Yorkshire Police immediately.

“In particular, check for any patches where a company logo could have been painted over or removed.”

He described the theft of such plant equipment as “big business” at the moment and urged companies to be vigilant and take crime prevention measures.

“We are determined to bring these criminals to justice and stop them from benefiting from their crimes,” he added.

“Members of the public can help by reporting any suspicious behaviour or vehicles to the police or Crimestoppers.“ Anyone with any information about the Ripon theft is asked to contact on 0845 6060 247 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.