Thieves have caused £1,500 of damage at a wildlife centre - just to steal £100.

The heartless offenders targeted the Jeffery Harrison Visitor Centre, belonging to the Kent Wildlife Trust, in Bradbourne Vale Road, Sevenoaks, overnight on Wednesday.

They smashed the glass in a door to gain entry and caused damage estimated at £1,500, before stealing cash from the till.

Centre manager James Davis said: “This is our second burglary this year. Incidents like this are costly, both in terms of money and staff time.

“While insurance will cover some of those costs, we have to pay an excess and it also impacts our premiums.

“The centre is a hub for local people who come here to enjoy family days out, bird-watching and the nature trails.

“It is a valuable asset for local people and sadly they have now had their visits disrupted while we carry out repairs.”

The Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve, where the centre is based, lies to the north of Sevenoaks.

The reserve was created on a former gravel pit, belonging to Tarmac, who has leased the land to the Kent Wildlife Trust.

The reserve covers 73 hectares and comprises five lakes, woodland, a few ponds and reedbeds.

The River Darent flows through the northern part of the reserve which is home to many types of birds, bats and glowworms.

Mr Davis said: “If anyone would like to support us in offsetting some of the cost and disruption of this crime, they can either volunteer or donate to our Nature Nightmares appeal, a fund-raiser set up to help us deal with crime and antisocial behaviour on our sites.”

In June, the reserve had an outdoor forest school set on fire by vandals, with £2,000 worth of damage caused.

This latest theft has been reported to the police.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information that may help police, is asked to contact Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference 23-0263.