A car dealer in the North East of England has reported an unusual case of specific parts being stolen from a car on its premises and not just small components but everything needed for a major front end repair.

The car in question was a Skoda Fabia at Derek Slack Motors in Middlesbrough. Over a weekend thieves broke into the premises and expertly dismantled the vehicle taking the bonnet, radiator, air-conditioning unit, front bumpers, lights and light housing.

Speaking about the theft Tony Slack who manages the family business said, "I think either someone has bought a car that has been written-off at an auction and had the exact parts they need stolen, or someone has had a crash and are getting the repair done by a less than reputable repairer.”

Police have studied security video, but hope of finding the criminals appears remote. Meanwhile the £12,000 Skoda looks like it will have to be written off.