North Yorkshire Police has launched an investigation after copper wire worth £50,000 was stolen in York. [21 March 2012]

The theft took place at some point between Saturday and  Monday at the Hilton Express construction site on Station Rise.

The thieves also attempted to steal building equipment, copper piping and other metal from the site.

PC Andrew Pearson, of the York Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "Because of the amount of cabling the thieves stole, I am absolutely positive that someone will have seen suspicious activity in the area.

"I am urging anyone who was in the area during the time of the burglary, and may have seen any suspicious activity, to come forward and contact the police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible."

He added: "I am urging any scrap metal dealers who may be offered the cabling to contact the police straight away."

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to contact police on non-emergency number 101, pressing option two and asking for Andrew Pearson.

Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting reference number 12120043653.

Crimestoppers is an independent charity and not part of the police. If you wish to pass on information about crime anonymously, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or fill out our anonymous online Giving Information Form.