MORE than £17,000 of clay pigeon shooting equipment was stolen from a storage container.

Shooting club officials found the door of the compound in Winton Street, Alfriston, forced open and eight traps and remotes stolen. Thieves had broken in through a padlocked gate and made their getaway in a four-wheel drive, police believe.

The theft was discovered just before 7am on Sunday but may have taken place earlier in the weekend.

PC Ian Grabiner, of the Wealden neighbourhood response team, said: "This, coupled with the rough nature of the track, suggests an all-terrain vehicle may have been used.

"We would like to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious vehicles, people or activity in the Winton street area of Alfriston over the early part of the weekend, prior to the theft being discovered.

"Any other information as to what became of the traps, similar to those shown in our photograph, would also be welcome."

Call police on 101 quoting 414 of 26/06 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk