MOTOR dealerships in the Canterbury area are reviewing their security after thieves stole 14 cars worth £150,000 from a forecourt in one night.

The elaborate theft happened at the EuroCanterbury VW dealership in Broad Oak Road, Canterbury, overnight between last Thursday and Friday.

The fleet of vehicles were all Y registration or newer Golfs, Polos and new shape Beetle. A silver MGF sports car was also taken.Police believe the gang may have used one or two car transporters to take the cars, which had very little fuel in their tanks.

A police spokesman said: "If they were driven away, they would have needed to be refuelled, so petrol station staff may be able to help us.

"We are also keen to speak to anyone who may have seen car transporters on the move in East Kent in the early hors of Friday morning, especially if they were loading in or around the Broad Oak area."

It is suspected the stolen vehicles may be 'ringed' - that is, given new identities and sold on to unsuspecting buyers.

Anyone with information about the incident should call PC Jason Maitland at Canterbury police on 01227 817153 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.