Theft of tools and go-karts from Dudley centre

Bosses at Sycamore Adventure Centre have been left counting the cost of the raids at its base in the Old Park Farm Estate in Dudley.

Drills, a circular saw, leaf blower, strimmer, sanders plus two £500 go-karts were taken by the thieves from three of the centre's outdoor containers.

Due to terms of the centre's insurance policy the items will not be replaced without funds being raised.

Manager Keith Rogers described the break-ins as 'horrific' and said they had left a huge impact on the centre, which was used by 26,000 children last year.

He said: "The tools are used to build structures like tree houses at the centre and to keep the place safe and looking great – we're going to be at a real loss until we replace them. The go-karts are expensive and are used as part of the activities we offer. We are a council-run facility and are used by thousands of children each year, many from deprived backgrounds. It is horrific that these people would target us."

Mr Roger is appealing for anyone with information on the items stolen in the raid on January 17 and Tuesday. All of them were marked and can be identified as belonging to the centre. Despite the break-ins, the centre remains open.