A VAN worth more than £20,000 was snatched in a raid at a vehicle repair centre.

Police said the overnight break-in at Read Motor Body Centre saw a customer’s white Volkswagen Caddy Maxi, along with tools and spray paint, taken.

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Karen Ledger has been running the Hambleton View business with her husband Christopher and son Lewis for four years.

Mrs Ledger said the burglary has sickened them.

She said: “It makes us feel sick that someone could do this.

“We are hoping that the insurance company are going to cover it.

“We have got a great team of staff who have worked with us for years.

“We are a family business and the staff are treated like family.

“It is upsetting that this has happened. Everybody is annoyed.”

Also taken during the raid, which happened between 6pm on Tuesday and 6.20am on Wednesday, were spray guns and silver paint which Mrs Ledger said she believes could be used to change the colour of the van.

Mrs Ledger said the vehicle is “quite distinctive” with colour-coded bumpers and alloy wheels. She hopes that it will be easy to spot.

Mrs Ledger said: “I think the thieves knew what they wanted because they have not disturbed anything in the office or rummaged through for any cash.

“We are back up and running now but this has left everybody feeling a bit on edge.”

A police investigation has been launched and officers appealed for anybody with information to get in touch with them.

A police spokesman said: “There was a break-in at Read Motor Body Centre.

“The offenders entered the warehouse, searched the premises and took items including a Volkswagen van and some spray guns.

“They stole the keys from inside and made off in the van.

“No arrests have been made. We appeal for anybody with information about the burglary, or who say anybody acting suspiciously near the premises around the time it happened, to get in touch.”

Anybody with information should call police on 101.