POLICE are appealing for information after two thefts took place on the same night.

The first was an HGV tractor unit and the second was a trailer containing thousands of pounds worth of sweets.

They were stolen from different transport agencies in Wirral.

On Wednesday, May 16, the manager of a transport company on Bankfields Drive, Eastham, found that an FM12 Volvo tractor unit (registration KX54 DPF) had been stolen from the compound.

One of the company's drivers, who had driven to the site with a consignment at around 11pm the previous evening reported seeing four men sitting in a car, which was parked up next to the compound exit.

Following initial investigations, the car, which is described as a W-registered red Ford Mondeo, was seen on the A41 and M53, only minutes away from where the tractor unit was stolen. Shortly after 2am on Wednesday, the car was again spotted on the M53, travelling in tandem with the stolen tractor unit.

Enquiries are ongoing into the whereabouts of both vehicles.

In the second incident, a white refrigerated trailer unit was parked up alongside other HGVs in a secure warehouse close to the company's site on Plantation Road in Bromborough at around 6pm on Tuesday, May 15.

The trailer contained a consignment of 'Haribo' sweets.

Just before 4.30am the following morning, another driver went to pick up his trailer and noticed that the shutters to the warehouse were open and the trailer containing the sweets had gone.

A second tractor unit had also been broken into, but the offenders had been unable to start the engine.

The offenders had left the scene, securing the site gate with a new padlock.

A wing mirror from an FM12 Volvo tractor unit was found on the floor where the trailer had been. It is believed this mirror came from the tractor unit that the offenders had brought with them.

Forensic examinations were carried out at both scene and police are examining CCTV from the surrounding area.

Detectives believe the two incidents, which took place within a mile of each other, may be linked and are urging anyone with information in relation to them to come forward.

They are also keen to speak to any traders who may have been offered Haribo sweets for sale from a source other than their usual suppliers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Birkenhead CID via 0151 709 6010 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.