A CAR thief may have got more than he bargained for when he stole a Skoda in Lower Gornal.

The car was taken from a gun club in Cinder Road at just before 7.30pm on Wednesday February 5 and cops think the offender may have not known there was a .22 rifle with ammunition stored in the boot.

The vehicle’s owner had just arrived at the club when the thief jumped behind the wheel and drove off.

Detective Sergeant Matt Nightingale, from Dudley CID, said: "At this stage there is nothing to suggest the thief targeted the owner for firearms.

"The thief may not know he stole a gun and I would urge him to think about his next action. Stealing a car is one thing but being found in possession of a gun is clearly very serious.

"If this person unknowingly took the gun then I am urging him to make contact with us as soon as possible so we can recover the weapon and get his side of the story.

"The registration number of the silver Octavia is WJ63BHG − if anyone sees this car then please call the police."

Alternatively people can leave information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers the independent charity on 0800 555 111.