A 'HYDRAULIC Demolition Hammer' - or pneumatic drill - has been stolen from the Pickering area.

A police appeal through the community messaging system said that the theft took place on Thursday, December 28 at 7pm.

The machine is bright yellow and one metre tall.

A hydraulic demolition hammer - or jackhammer - is a pneumatic or electro-mechanical tool that combines a hammer directly with a chisel.

They are typically used to break up rock, pavement, and concrete.

Anyone with information regarding this theft is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting reference 12180000829.