Brass-necked thieves stole from a shed just 100 yards from where the owner was working on a farm in Shepherdswell.

They were able to get away with cumbersome loads of machinery and equipment including two 100kg cylinders.

Victim John Haste said: "This must have been a well organised crime. They broke in during broad daylight while I was working only 100 metres away,smashing and stealing the padlock.

"They then picked up the gas bottles which weigh around 100kg each and were linked together with rubber pipes and brass unions.

"This was without any way of seeing into the building before they entered."

The break-in happened at Hopewood Farm at Coxhill, Shepherdswell, between 1pm and 5pm on Tuesday, February 11.

About £1,000 in equipment was stolen. The cylinders, estimated to cost £250 each, contained oxygen and acetylene, a form of gas that burns with a bright flame and is used in welding.

Also taken was an orange-coloured strimmer, a red and white Honda generator and a black and green petrol hedge trimmer.

John Haste, 61, is a blacksmith and fruit farmer.

He was also elected last May as a Labour Dover district councillor for the St Radigund's ward.

Kent Police said they were called at 5.40pm on February 11.

Officers say that anyone with any information should call them on 01843 222289 quoting the reference number 46/27548/20.

You can also contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or using the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

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