This is the moment thieves stole a van and took their masks off - not realising that there was a hidden camera recording their every move.

Video footage released by West Midlands Police show the hapless trio on film in an allegedly stolen Vauxhall Combo van on January 8.

Unknown to the gang, a secret camera hidden in the cab recorded them as they sped away from the owner's house in the West Midlands.

The men, who had taken the precaution of wearing masks to disguise their faces during the raid, took them off as they drove away. 

Unknown to the gang, a secret camera hidden in the cab recorded them as they sped away from the owner's house in the West Midlands. Pictured: One of the men in the van

The men (pictured), who had taken the precaution of wearing masks to disguise their faces during the raid, took them off as they drove away

The driver (left) had originally covered his face but revealed his features without realising there was a camera

One man was already showing his face, the driver then pulls down his mask and another man gets into the vehicle revealing his features too.

The van was eventually found damaged nearby and detectives hope the on-board camera footage will lead to the gang's capture. 

Anyone who knows who the thieves are can call police on 101, quoting crime reference number 20/41061/24.

MailOnline has contacted West Midlands Police for comment.