STAFF at Devizes haulage firm Hams Transport have been left reeling after a burglary.

One lorry and two bulk tipping trailers were stolen in the night time raid and the thieves left a trail of damage in the depot, based on the Hopton Industrial Estate, London Road.

Hilary Hams, one of the partners at the firm, is appealing to people who may have their seen their lorry and stolen trailers being driven out of Devizes to contact the police.

The burglary happened either late on Saturday March 9 or in the early hours of Sunday March 10.

The stolen trailers are worth a total of £30,000. Staff from Hams recovered the lorry a few days later after it was seen abandoned just off the M4 in Reading by another haulage firm.

The vehicle's air horn and a row of lights had been ripped off. Also stolen from inside the lorry were a radio, television, radio, fridge and clothes belonging to driver Lee Arkle.

Another five vehicles at the depot were either damaged or had personal effects stolen from inside them and this amounts to several thousand pounds.

Mrs Hams said: "I was in tears for a couple of days. We are very shocked at what has happened and also angry. Some of the drivers have had their personal belongings stolen and it has been a huge personal blow to them.

"We lost work and income for a few days while we repaired the damaged vehicles. Whoever did it must have planned it."

It is believed the offenders got in to the depot by cutting through a chain link fence. Anyone with information is asked to call Devizes police on 01380 722141 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.