Thieves stole an entire boiler and caused several thousand pounds’ worth of damage to a popular sea cadet unit in Wolverhampton.

Youngsters arriving at the TS Newfoundland, next to Woden Primary School in Springfield Road, were turned away last night as volunteers carried on a clean-up after the break-in.

The thieves stole two computers, a central heating boiler, an overhead projector and even sweets that were sold to the youngsters to raise funds. Some of the items had been given to the group when donated through charitable funds.

Estimates suggest repairs and replacements will cost in the region of £4,500 but not all of the work will be covered on insurance.

Commanding officer Lieutenant Trevor Stanley described those behind the break-in as “idiots” and said some parts of the base looked like they had been ransacked.

The attackers, who struck over the weekend, had ripped an outdoor flashing alarm from the wall.

Lt Stanley said the thieves also fiddled with the security lighting before breaking into the pre-fabricated building by forcing a side door.

In total four doors and a door frame were damaged.

Lt Stanley, aged 54, who has been commanding officer of the group for the last nine years, said: “I was disgusted when I saw the mess they had made.

“Why do people hit us when they know we are there for young people? That is the annoying part they have hit an organisation which helps young people. These idiots have taken away from the young people of the city.”

He said he was upset that some of the items taken had come from charitable sources that the group had worked to secure, adding: “I don’t think they realise what damage they have done, but I don’t think they care.”

There are 20 youngsters in the group aged between 10 and 15.