Thieves used a gas torch to break into a workshop as they stole around £16,000 worth of equipment.

For the fourth time in nine months the Wildlife Trust’s Grafham Water workshop, close to the Fishing Lodge, was broken into during the May Day bank holiday weekend.

The burglars used a gas torch to cut through a 3mm steel window.

A quad bike, chainsaws, drills and brushcutters as well as other equipment was stolen.

Matt Hamilton, reserves manager for Cambridgeshire, said: “This is not an isolated incident - it is the fourth time in nine months that our equipment store at Grafham has been targeted.

“The quad bike that was stolen was brand new – bought to replace a bike stolen a few months back.

“There are also costs associated with repairing the damage caused. This vital equipment is used to manage 16 of our nature reserves in Cambridgeshire and the repeated theft of our equipment is making it increasingly difficult for us to carry out essential reserve management work.”

He added: “Please do get in touch with Cambridgeshire police if you have any information to report in relation to these thefts or if you see anything suspicious.”

INFORMATION: If you know anything about this theft call Cambridgeshire police on 101.