OWNERS of a Bromsgrove engineering firm are angry that police would not come out to investigate after crooks raided their camper van, stealing thousands of pounds worth of power tools and other equipment - and leaving behind their footprints.

The intruders' vehicle - a blue Renault Clio - was also captured on CCTV footage, along with torchlight as they ransacked the van at MJA Automotive Engineering Ltd on Aston Fields Trading Estate.

But directors Jane and Martin Adams say police told them they would not visit the premises because of a lack of resources.

As a result, the footprints that were left in the Peugeot Boxer camper van - where the equipment was stored ready to travel out to customers - have since disappeared without being analysed.

West Mercia Police are, however, now reviewing CCTV footage of activity on the trading estate and are appealing for information that could help catch the culprits.

Mrs Adams said: "The police asked us to go through the CCTV but they told me it was not normal practice to come out as they didn't have the resources to do it.

"We understand but are angry that resources are not provided - the Government is to blame for that.

"There were footprints fresh from rainwater on the lino inside the camper van but the police didn't even come and look and the prints have disappeared now because the vehicle has gone off for repairs."

The break-in happened outside the company's premises in Sugarbrook Road at 10.36pm on Monday, when the camper van door was opened with a crowbar.

Equipment stolen included a snap-on impact gun and other power tools, worth several thousand pounds.

The CCTV film shows three torch lights scouring inside the camper van, parked outside MJA Automotives, which carries out engine repairs.

Unfortunately, the number plate of the Clio was not visible but the vehicle had silver wheels.

A West Mercia Police spokesman said: "With regards to crimes of theft from a motor vehicle, it is force policy that scenes of crime officers will target attendance at scenes where there are grounds to believe that forensic evidence has been left at the scene.

"Following the initial report this was not understood to be the case.

"We are, however, reviewing CCTV footage of activity on the trading estate in the hope of identifying the offenders and would welcome contact from anyone who may have information that may assist the investigation.

"In addition local officers have been made aware of the incident and will be visiting the victim to discuss crime prevention."