Thieves take off with hot air balloon in North Yorkshire

The theft was reported on Tuesday after the owner returned home from a short holiday only to discover that the hot air balloon was missing.

A silver and white trailer used to store the balloon, its basket, an inflation tank, a burner and seven gas canisters were also taken.

Investigating officer Pc Quita Passmore said: “It’s highly likely that the thieves were only after the trailer. In previous thefts of this nature, the balloon is often dumped when the thieves discover what they’ve actually stolen.

“It has a very distinctive design and is of no use to the thieves as it has unique markings which can identify it when airborne.

“They tend to be dumped at the roadside or in fields and I am appealing for anyone who finds the discarded balloon or any of its accessories to contact the police as soon as possible.

“I would also like to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the vicinity of Piersburgh Grange in Low Worsall between Sunday and Tuesday.”

Anyone with information is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 12120116414.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.