Thieves use 4X4 to force gates in raid on Shrewsbury car dealership

Thieves stole a high performance car in an early morning raid on a car dealership near Shrewsbury today after using a 4x4 vehicle to force the gates to the site's forecourt open.

Police said the thieves broke into the salesroom at Shukers in Hereford Road, Bayston Hill, just after 3am, taking various vehicle keys and cutting phone lines.

They then forced the gates open using a 4x4 from the forecourt, which they dumped before making off with a red Subaru Impreza WRX STI, officers said.

Police said up to four men were believed to have been involved, with the group wearing dark clothing and having their faces covered at the time of the incident.

Constable Jason Tierney said: "The offenders are believed to have arrived at the scene in a dark-coloured car, possibly a coupe, and were seen hanging around outside the nearby bakery shortly before the incident.

"The stolen Subaru was spotted between junctions two and three of the M54 at about 4.10am and again at about 4.25am on the A41 near Weston Under Lizard, when we believe the offenders were trying to find a fuel station."

About 20 minutes later, a dark blue BMW with blacked out window was seen in the same area driving at speed towards the West Midlands, having come from the direction of Wheaton Aston, police said.

It is not yet known whether the vehicle was involved in the theft.

Constable Tierney added: "Further inquiries suggest the offenders eventually stopped and filled up the Subaru at the BP fuel station on the A449 at Fordhouses, Wolverhampton."

Anyone with information should call police on 0300 333 3000 or the Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.