THIEVES struck a blow to a fledgling Rossendale brewery when they stole a delivery van.

The vehicle, belonging to Brewsmith Beer, was taken from outside its headquarters on the Cuba Industrial Estate in Stubbins.

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Owner Jamie Smith, who set up the firm with his wife, Jennifer, and father, Ted, last year, said he believed the van had been stolen to order.

The white Ford Transit, complete with the company’s logo and contact details, was one of a host of vehicles stolen in Rossendale last week.

On Friday, Lancashire police reported that a white Mercedes van taken from Crawshawbooth was found abandoned in Burnley, while a silver Nissan Primastar van stolen from Bury Road, Rawtenstall, has yet to be recovered. Mr Smith, 36, said: “We are a new business so it’s not exactly helpful.”

Brewsmith products, including bitter, pale ale, IPA and oatmeal stout, are made using locally sourced ingredients and served in pubs throughout Lancashire and Greater Manchester. Father-of-two Mr Smith said he had been able to hire a van in the short-term to honour his customers’ orders after the theft on Wednesday.

He said he was not confident of the stolen van – registration AK63 KGF – being returned.

A Lancashire police spokesman said officers suspected the registration would have been changed immediately.

He added: “The van has a distinctive livery as can be seen on the photograph. If spotted, please contact Lancashire police on 101 quoting crime reference EF1501998 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Brewsmith was founded last January and spent nine months fine-tuning a unit on Stubbins Lane business park, near Ramsbottom, before opening in September.

Aaron Diggle, from Bacup firm Creation Signs, said: “I did the graphics on the van. When removed it can leave a ghosted image until polished. Look closely if you suspect you see this van. He’s a good guy just making a living.”