Thieves stole fuel and damaged waste collection vehicles at Fowlchurch Depot in Leek on Tuesday (20 December).

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and its waste collection partner AES, have reported the incident to Police and are advising residents of disruption to bin collections as a result. 

Eleven vehicles were targeted and several of those suffered damage to the fuel tanks. 

Councillor Sav Scalise, Cabinet Member for Environment, said: "The actions of the selfish individuals who have carried out this criminal act will, unfortunately, mean the service we provide to our residents will be disrupted.

"It's extremely frustrating for all of us and we are angry that not only have they stolen fuel they have also damaged some of our vehicles in the process. That means these vehicles will be off the road until they are repaired - and those repairs are at the expense of the public purse which is another reason we condemn this theft and the criminal damage it has caused.

"Urgent repairs are taking place and I apologise to all those people affected. I know they will understand, given the circumstances, and I thank them for their patience."

The council is advising people to check their website, Facebook and Twitter channels for service updates.