A trailer containing kayaking gear worth nearly £20,000 was stolen from a car park, igniting a police appeal for witnesses.

A Seapoint Canoe Centre employee found the car park barriers smashed and the firm’s blue trailer - containing 17 canoes - missing after arriving for work yesterday morning.

He said: “When I turned up there was a group of travellers who had pitched up, about five caravans, and our trailer was gone.

“Obviously I can’t accuse anyone of taking it – the police came with forensics and spoke to those who were present.

“It’s a big trailer, people would have had to hitch it onto a vehicle to move it.”

The double axle trailer was taken between 4.30pm on Tuesday 13 November and 8.00am from the business’s base on Princes Parade, Hythe.

It contained 17 sit-on kayaks coloured red and white and blue and white, 17 red buoyancy aids and 17 black paddles with white or yellow blades.

British Canoeing area manager Russell Smith, whose company loaned the kayaks to the Seapoint Centre, lamented over the missing gear.

Mr Smith explained the open-top canoes are sometimes used by disadvantaged people.

“They’re especially built for British canoeing and very easy to distinguish.

“It would be a shame if someone were to buy one not knowing it was stolen, and then get in trouble for handling stolen goods.

“It’s a real shame, the canoes are used by the Cubs, Scouts, Guides, Brownies.

“They’re especially built for British canoeing and very easy to distinguish..." Russell Smith, British Canoeing area manager

“We have also taken them to areas of deprivation so people who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to kayak can give it a go,” he said.

Police have turned to the public in a bid to find the distinguishable trailer and other stolen items.

It is blue with white text and has part of a Union Jack flag painted on the tow-bar end.

Inspector Julien Lawton said: “We are keen to speak to anyone who might be able to assist in our enquiries to locate this trailer. If you did see anything please call Kent Police on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/5275/18.

“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers in Kent anonymously on 0800 555 111.”