THIEVES used a stolen car to make off with two pay and display machines from car parks in Malvern.

The parking machines, belonging to Malvern Hills District Council, were taken in the early hours of Thursday morning (March 26).

One machine was located in the small car park opposite Malvern Splash and the other was at the bottom of the large car park in Priory Road.

The machines were recovered later that morning in a field to the rear of the Blackmore Park Industrial Estate but more than £900 was stolen and more than £2,000 damage caused.

The thieves initially tried to use cutting equipment on one machine, but were unable to get into the money compartment.

Instead it is believed they used a large rope attached to a stolen black Series Three Land Rover to rip the machines and the small amount of money they contained clean out of the ground.

The Land Rover was stolen from an address in Watkins Way, Malvern, between 8pm on Wednesday, March 25 and 7.30am the following morning. Police believe it was most likely taken at about 3am.

MHDC now plans to increase the frequency of its collections following the incident.

Cllr David Watkins, who is responsible for car parking, said: “Any money made through our car parks is fed directly back into providing council services and funding community projects.

“By stealing the machines the individuals responsible have effectively stolen from every resident in our district.

“I am deeply disappointed with this situation, but am very grateful for the determination and commitment the police have shown the case.”

Police investigating the incidents are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information should call 0300 333 3000 quoting 18N/260309 in connection with the parking machine thefts or 100S/260309 in connection with the vehicle theft.