Thieves target Wootton Bassett haven (From Swindon Advertiser)

Thieves target Wootton Bassett haven

Not even the extension cables were spared when heartless burglars broke into an animal sanctuary.

John Warwick surveys the damage left behind after a break-in at his animal sanctuary

Drills, saws, wheelbarrows and the extension leads – which were stripped of the copper wire they contain – were taken from the Swindon and District Animal Haven in Wootton Bassett between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning last week.

Hundreds of pounds worth of equipment was taken from the tool shed after the thieves broke the locked metal door in what owner, John Warwick, says was the biggest burglary they have suffered.

He said: “I first noticed something was wrong when I went to go and turn the radio on on Thursday morning but it was gone.

“It is very frustrating. It is getting to the stage where we can’t even leave extension leads.

“We are run by volunteers and we are helping animals.

“How low can people get when they break into a rescue centre? They can’t have any morals.

“They even pulled the wire out of the extension leads and chopped the plugs off.

“I know that copper is worth a few thousand pounds a tonne but it takes a lot to get a tonne. It is unbelievable.”

No animals were hurt or taken during the break-in.

The rescue centre has been broken into about five times in the 13 years it has been open.

Tools, a circular saw, chop saw, four wheelbarrows, hedge trimmers, chain saw, and a stainless-steel tea urn were taken in the raid.

To help the shelter contact Mr Warwick on 07990 868 887.

To give information to the police call 0845 408 7000.