Thieves broke into more than 20 sheds and stole thousands of pounds of equipment at allotments in Medway.

Gardeners who use a large plot next to Strood Leisure Centre were shocked to discover thieves had struck between 10pm last Friday and 8am Saturday, stealing power tools, petrol and gardening equipment.

Stewart Munro, 71, from Cedar Road, Strood, has lost £600 of equipment.

He said: “My rotavator was in the shed and although I bought it second hand, it had only been used a couple of times and will cost about £600 to replace.

“My friend Ron had about £1,000 worth of items stolen.

“I heard some of the allotment holders saying that was it, they were going to jack it all in now. But I’m not going to.

“I think this is the first time we’ve had such a break-in in the nine years I’ve been there.

“I am a bit disappointed with the police. I haven’t seen police visit the site yet, I’ve only spoke to operators on the phone.”

A police spokesman said: “Officers are carrying out inquiries and anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting crime reference XY/004697/14 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”