THOUSANDS of pounds worth of equipment was stolen from a van parked in a layby in broad daylight while a worker "answered the call of nature". 

Diagnostic equipment worth £8,000 was stolen from a Steve Noel works van which was parked in a layby in Poole. 

The incident happened around 2pm on Thursday, March 7. 

Director Steve Noel said: “The technician was on his way back from a breakdown call in the Dorchester area when he stopped in a layby to answer a call of nature.

“A black BMW parked behind and then sped away from the layby shortly after.

“The workman then realised that a Jaltest diagnostic tablet had been stolen from his van.”

Officers are now appealing for information from the incident.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “At 1.54pm on Thursday 7 March 2024, Dorset Police received a report of theft from a motor vehicle in Knighton Lane in Poole.

“It is reported that whilst parked in a layby, entry was gained to the vehicle and items were taken.

“No arrests have been made.”