THIEVES made a clean getaway after stealing a dustbin lorry from Bromley refuse collectors before their early morning run.

The thieves struck as waste company Onyx, contracted to collect Bromley's rubbish, prepared for work at the Bath Road depot on December 6.

Onyx's contract manager Nick Allen said: "You can't really miss a 10-ton dustcart.

"I don't know why anyone would want one but there are rumours people steal them for ram raids."

The company, which has only recently won the contract to collect rubbish in the borough, is having to fork out £1,000 a week to hire a replacement.

The incident happened at about 6am when the crew were warming up the van before setting off.

One of the two crew members started the engine and went to fetch a cup of coffee. When he returned the £125,000 lorry was being driven away.

The four-wheeled Dennis Elite, which has Onyx written on it as well as the Bromley Council logo, has not been seen since.

Police confirmed they were investigating the theft and have urged anyone who saw anything to report it immediately.

A spokesman said residents should treat any sighting of the stolen vehicle, registration number N9 CEL, as an emergency call.

December 11, 2001 10:46