Thieves got away with two hedge trimmers after breaking into a crematorium just days before Christmas.

Police are investigating after Charing Crematorium was targeted at 11.30pm yesterday.

Two Stihl hedge trimmers - worth about £500 - were swiped.

Manager Alan Jose, who has worked at the site for five years, said: "It is distressing when low-lifes decide to target somewhere like a crematorium.

"Fortunately we are alarmed and it went off which probably scared them away, but it is upsetting to think a crematorium would be targeted.

"It is the first time we have had something like this happen so it is unusual.

"There was no damage to the chapel buildings or grounds, but it is just disappointing."