POLICE are appealing for information after the theft of a pay-and-display parking ticket machine.

Detectives believe thieves used a large vehicle to rip the machine, valued at £5,000, from its concrete base at the St Marygate car park, Ripon, North Yorkshire.

It happened overnight between Sunday, November 4 and Monday, November 5.

PC Leah Champion, from Ripon Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “If you were in the area of the St Marygate car park and witnessed any suspicious activity I urge you to come forward and contact the police or Crimestoppers straight away.

“I also need to speak to anyone who may have seen people paying unusual attention to pay and display machines in the days prior to the theft.

PC Champion added: “I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who knows where the machine is now and ask them to get in touch.”