THREE men have been arrested on suspicion of preparing to steal fuel from lorries after a vehicle was stopped at Thirsk Auction Mart.

Rural Taskforce officers were patrolling when they saw an Audi A5 being driven close to lorries in the car park. They stopped the vehicle around 10.45pm on Saturday August 21 and found 11 empty 25 litre plastic drums packed into the boot and another four balanced on the back seat, there was also a strong smell of diesel in the vehicle.

The men from Cleveland, all in their 20's, were arrested and released pending further inquiries. Police urged lorry drivers to take precautions and ensure they have a plan when travelling overnight to use secure lorry parks and to park where they can see their vehicle.

Officers say lorries and their contents are often very valuable and can be targeted by thieves, patrols are being stepped up particularly in lorry parks across Hambleton.