You might think it goes without saying that the theft of 200 cars, trucks and farm vehicles is no small crime, but there is more to this than makes the eye.

Not least that it also included the theft of an astonishing 30 trains.

The detail that should clear up some of the mystery (at least for readers) - and explain how it was possible to remove everything in a single white transit van, as is suspected - is that the vehicles in question were all models.

The victim was a collector of the highly sought-after Dinky and Bachmann-branded toys and the items were stolen from a property in Winchester Way between 5pm and 8pm on Saturday (29 Dec).

Thieves also took "a number of items which were of sentimental value to the victim".

Neighbours of the victim reported seeing a suspicious acting white transit van in the area on Saturday afternoon.

Police are appealing for witnesses and asking anyone with information to call 101 with incident number 357 of December 29, 2018, or email joseph.lewis@gloucestershire.police.pnn.uk.

Gloucestershire Constabulary would also like to hear from any collectors or dealers who are offered these items for sale.