MEMBERS of the public are being asked to look out for Lush cosmetics being sold cheaply after a van-load of stock was stolen from the company's Poole factory.

Thieves drove off in a plain white Mercedes Sprinter box van from the Lush Cosmetics distribution car park in Factory Road, Upton, between 10pm on Wednesday and 1.30am on Thursday.

It is believed they made off with around £18,000 worth of cosmetics and the van, belonging to local company Startruck Enterprises, is also worth a similar amount.

Police Constable Nicky Ferguson, of Gravel Hill police station, said: "The van bears the registration number KV03 GZN and was loaded with a large amount of cosmetics from the Lush range.

"I'm very keen to hear from anyone with any information about this theft, in particular anyone who saw anyone or anything suspicious in and around the Factory Road area late last night.

"I'd also like to hear from anyone who has seen the van since it was stolen, and from anyone with information about Lush cosmetics being sold cheaply."

Steven Howie, of Startruck Enterprises, is also offering a £5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people responsible.

The brand new van was on hire to his company and is one of five that they use to deliver goods around the country. He said: "I'm so annoyed and I just want to get to the bottom of what has happened.

"Not only am I paying for a hire van that has now been stolen but I've also got to get another one to replace it."

Anyone with information should ring Dorset Police on 01202 222500 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.