Euro Car Parts are appealing for information after a substantial number of car parts have been stolen from its National Distribution Centre in Tamworth, Staffordshire.

The value of the haul is estimated as being in excess of £500,000 – but could be as much as £1million.

Garages, motor factors and parts retailers are urged to contact the police if they are offered NGK plugs, Exide or Bosch batteries, turbo chargers or React catalytic convertors at below trade prices or from unusual sources.

Steve Horne, the logistics director of Euro Car Parts, commented: “It is upsetting and frustrating that having created over 600 jobs in Tamworth and the surrounding area we appear to have been the victim of a gang of criminals.”

“All we can do now is to try and bring those responsible to justice. Euro Car Parts are offering £5,000 for information leading to the successful prosecution of the thieves and the recovery of our stock. This offer is open to everyone – the public, our colleagues in the motor trade, even Euro Car Parts employees. In the meantime, security is being stepped up at the National Distribution Centre and all other Euro Car Parts sites.”

“We are taking this unusual step as it appears that the Warwickshire and Staffordshire police force do not have sufficient resources to pursue the perpetrators of this crime, which was carried out over a number of months and included members of Euro Car Parts staff and a member of staff from the security team. Some of those involved in this incident have been arrested. It is clear however from our security camera footage we have studied that the gang consisted of additional members who were not employed at the Tamworth site but who are still at large.”

“It is also clear that the thieves have not as yet had the time or opportunity to dispose of all of the stolen goods so we are asking people to be on the look-out for premises of any description that have recently become “stocked” with a variety of car parts”.