Haul of air rifles stolen from lorry overnight

Police have launched an investigation after a consignment of air rifles was stolen from a lorry.

The theft of 81 powered air rifles was discovered by a lorry driver who had parked in Paycocke Road, Basildon, Essex between 20:30 GMT on Thursday and 04:30 on Friday.

He contacted Essex Police who said no arrests had been made, but officers were "following a number of targeted lines of enquiry".

The force said the lorry was parked on a main road running through the Cranes Farm industrial area, which was "used 24-hours a day" and businesses in the area would have CCTV.

Det Insp Marcus Dodd said: "I'm urging anyone who was driving in the area in the timeframe to please check their dashcam.

"Equally, to the businesses in the area, if there is CCTV on your premises, please check it."

Police said the lorry, a white DAF, was parked between Trafertier International Transport and Amari House when the theft took place.

The detective added: "I would also ask that should anyone be offered these items or comes across them for sale, please alert us."

Powered air rifles are often used for pest control, small game hunting and competitive target shooting.

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