The boys and girls of a Scout group have been left reeling after thieves broke in to their headquarters and stole a ride-on mower.

The theft occurred on Monday night and the offenders first cut through the bolt on the locked gate of the Scout compound off Straw Mill Hill in Tovil.

They then broke into the rear door of the Scout Hut itself and rummaged through the cupboards and drawers.

Scout leader Geoff Saunders said: "They made a right mess, but they don't seem to have taken anything from there. Presumably they were looking for the keys to the garages where we kept the mower, and the key to the mower itself."

In that the thieves were unsuccessful - the keys are not kept on site. But instead they cut through the locks securing the two garage doors and then additionally cut through a padlock on a chain securing the mower.

They used the Scouts' own ramps to load it on to the back of a vehicle and also took a petrol can and the owner's manual.

Mr Saunders said: "Our Cubs held their meeting on Monday night and when they left at around 8pm, everything was fine. The Explorer Scouts arrived on Tuesday evening - to discover the break-in."

It is scandalous how some people don't seem to have any principles whatsoever..." Geoff Saunders

The Explorers' session went ahead outside on the Scouts playing field.

Mr Saunders said: "We had to wait for CSI officers and then for a locksmith to come and secure the building."

The John Deere mower cost the Scouts around £5,000 three years ago. In addition, the cost of new locks and repairs would run to "several hundred pounds" Mr Saunders estimated.

He said: "Obviously we are now also going to have to think about bumping up our security. Should we instal CCTV? What extra measures can we take?"

Mr Saunders said: "It was a shock for our Scouts - and our leaders. We are dedicated to helping youngsters in the community. It is scandalous how some people don't seem to have any principles whatsoever."

Tovil Scouts were one of the first groups to be founded in the country. The branch dates from 1923. There are 103 Scouts across the four age-groupings.

Anyone who saw the incident, noticed anybody acting suspiciously in the area or has information that may assist our investigation is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting crime reference 46/113116/19.

Alternatively, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555111.

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