Heartless thieves smashed into a hut and stole gardening kit used by pensioners and families.

Two strimmers worth more than £300 were taken during the break-in at the Eastbrook Farm allotments in Brighton on Saturday evening.

The criminals used a sledge- hammer to break a hole in a concrete building built by allotment club members.

Site rep Steve Miller said the theft would leave green- fingered gardeners unable to keep weeds at bay.

He said: “These strimmers were available to anyone who wanted to keep their allotments looking nice. We all paid for them with our own money.

“I think whoever did this is despicable. I just don’t understand it.

“We have got pensioners here, young people, families. We spend a lot of time together and for something like this to happen is just terrible.”

Mr Miller has reported the theft to Sussex Police.

He said: “I hope they catch whoever did this, but I don’t hold out much hope.”

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