A FLEET of meals on wheels vans have been immobilised by thieves.

Staff arrived at Custom Lunches, on Woolsbridge Industrial Park in Three Legged Cross, to find the catalytic converters had been cut from their fleet of 12 vans.

The company, which delivers food to 300 elderly people in the area, seven days a week, estimates it will cost £220 a van, plus labour, to fix the damage. Director Tina McMillan said: “It was an absolute nightmare, we’ve had to hire vans and get staff to take boxes in their own cars to get the job done.

“Our customers really rely on us for a hot meal, and often our drivers will be the only person they see that day.

“I cannot believe someone could do such a thing.”

The theft must have taken place between staff leaving at 3pm on Sunday, July 11, and when the chefs started at 6am on Monday.

It’s thought the thieves jumped over the gates.

The damage was not immediately visible, and drivers realised when none of the vans would start.

Ms McMillan said: “Whoever it was did a very neat job, probably using a tube cutter.

“They’ll trade them in and make a lot of money.

“I expect a scrap yard somewhere is being offered the parts already.”

Recently a neighbouring company had its phone lines and CCTV cameras stolen.

Nearby garage DLH Cars and Commercials estimated a dealer would pay between £60 and £100 for a converter.

Police, who said they responded to a call at the site at 8.20am, have not made any arrests and are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.