Thousands of pounds worth of equipment was stolen from a container at Moira Furnace and Country Park in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The visitor attraction has put out an appeal with photos of the items that were taken.

But, in a social media message, it has also said that the theft was planned as a CCTV camera was broken before padlocks were cut to gain entrance to where the items were being kept.

Leicestershire Police have been contacted, and a spokesperson for the force said: "We received a report on Wednesday 19 April that a container in Furnace Lane, Moira had been broken into overnight.

"It was reported that four trimmers had been taken. Anyone with information is asked to contact police, quoting reference 23*233570."

But the Furnace and Country Park has gone into more detail about was taken.

The visitor attraction posted photos of the break-in on its Facebook page

The social media post reads: "Sad news to report.

"Last night at around 12:15 in the morning, we had our container broken into.

"The culprits clearly knew what to expect as they broke our CCTV camera from behind before cutting and breaking the padlocks to gain entry.

"They have stolen:

• 2 x Stihl FSA 135 Battery Strimmers

• 1 x Stihl HAS 86 24" Battery Hedge Trimmer

• 1 x Stihl HLA 66 Battery long-handle hedge trimmer

• 1 X Stihl battery self propelled lawn mower

• 1 x Stihl petrol chainsaw

• 1 x Portable generator

"A massive thank you to our locals, one of whom reported the open container in the early hours and helped gather evidence, and a thank you to our volunteers who came down to help.

"There was a report of a man, in his late 20s, with a ginger beard, and a slim build. 5'9" ish. Black Nike Jordan trainers grey joggers and a black hoodie.

The CCTV was taken out before the padlocks were cut

"We are after any information from you wonderful people. Did you see anyone acting suspiciously? Were you around during the night and saw something strange?

"We also want to make this equipment too hot to handle. If you come across anyone trying to sell these items (minus the batteries, as they didn't get them) then let us know or report it to the police.

"This equipment was paid for via a grant from Leicestershire County Council and has made a massive difference to how we manage the site, making it easier and more eco-friendly.

"This is going to cost us several thousand to replace so are looking for any help you can give us, please."