A GANG of scrap metal thieves have targeted a Poole building containing rare 'high-value steel components'.

Police are hunting the five-man gang after they broke into the secure garage in Hamworthy on Friday evening.

The burglary, on the garage in Russell Gardens, took place between 9pm and 9.20pm.

Investigators have not revealed the cost of the stolen metal, but PC Simon Hatch, of Poole police, said: “The items taken from the garage were high value steel components from pumping equipment which are extremely heavy and rare.”

Officers say the five men responsible used a red Peugeot car and a white transit style van during the raid.

PC Hatch said: “I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, observed any suspicious activity or saw a red Peugeot or white transit van in the area to contact police urgently.

“I also urge anyone who has been offered such products since to call Dorset Police as soon as possible.”

Call police on 101 quoting incident number 4:454.