ABOUT 500 tyres and a fleet of vans have been stolen in what detectives believe was a highly-organised burglary.

Staff at Watling Tyres in Grove Road, Northfleet, arrived for work on Tuesday morning to find thieves had cleared it of four vans and the tyres, some worth £150.

Det Insp Ian Dampier said the burglary happened between Sunday night and Tuesday morning. He added that “substantial damage" was caused inside the premises.”

The company has remained open for business, having borrowed equipment from other sites.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police's major incident team at Gravesend on 01474 565091.