THIEVES broke into a scrapyard - and escaped in a 17-ton skip lorry.
The gang scaled fencing at Frank Barnes metal merchants, at Albert Mill, Cross Street, Darwen, and hotwired the truck before smashing locks on the gates and making off.
The lorry, a distinctive yellow Leyland DAF, registration F117 DGM, is valued at £25,000 and was stolen at about 9pm on Thursday.
Director Mark Barnes said: "They obviously climbed over the fence and down into the yard before smashing the steering lock on the lorry and the locks on the gates. Somebody must have seen the wagon because it's bright yellow.
"Luckily we've got another 15 wagons so the business won't be affected too much, but to have one nicked is still annoying."
Det Sgt Neil Hunter of Darwen CID said they were investigating the theft and appealed for anybody with information to call them on 01254 353842 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
He said: "This is a rather large vehicle and would be pretty difficult to hide."
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