RAIDERS stole more than £70,000-worth of stock from a lorry while it was parked up at Rownhams Services off the M27 in Southampton.

Police believe the thieves made off in two white vans after loading them up with numerous cartons of clothing and cookware from the HGV. Southampton crimedesk spokeswoman Helen Ward said the raiders cut a hole in the side of the vehicle before helping themselves to the stock on board.

Among items stolen were 37 cartons of Red Rose cookware, 19 of Croft port, two of Red Rose cutlery, ten of Pelham clothing, three of Crew dressing gowns, 47 of Smiths clothing and 114 of B and B clothing and shoes.

Police believe the total value of the stolen stock was more than £70,000.

Officers want to hear from anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the Rownhams services area at the time of the theft, around 3am on Wednesday November 14.

Details were not disclosed by police until Friday night.

Any information to DC Jan Bulfield at Shirley CID on 0845 045 4545 or the free and anonymous Southern Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.