The first theft happened over the weekend between Friday 2^nd December and Sunday 4^th December when a storage container at the reserve on Bradbourne Road was broken into. A second burglary took place on Monday 5^th December when the same location was targeted again.

Five chainsaws, seven brush cutters and a trailer were among items stolen in the incident. The cost to replace them is estimated to exceed £10,000.

Head of Land Management for Kent Wildlife Trust, Simon Bateman-Brown said: “This is the third time in just a few weeks that we have been the victim of a substantial theft and these incidents significantly impact our ability to deliver conservation work across the county.

“These tools were crucial to the amazing work of our volunteers and the theft will have a considerable impact on our work.

“If anyone has any information that may help locate the items or identify who those responsible, please contact us or Kent Police.”

The burglaries follow the theft of gates, sheep hurdles and a sheep handling system from Nashenden Down nature reserve on 12^th November.

In total nine field gates, ten padlocks and chains, ten sheep hurdles, and a sheep handling system were stolen. To replace this will cost the charity around an additional £10,000. The Kent Wildlife Trust team were quickly on site, securing all 200 animals, checking on their welfare and putting up temporary gates.

If you have information that may help, please contact Kent Police or Kent Wildlife Trust communications@kentwildlife.org.uk