THIEVES used a quad bike to smash their way into a local scouting facility – and not only stole valuable equipment but caused damage that may cost a substantial amount to repair.

The incident happened yesterday (Sunday, 29 May) afternoon at the Condovers Scout camp near West Tilbury.

Three people wearing masks carried out the raid, with one of them reversing the quad bike into the storage hut, causing significant damage to the shutters as they forced their way in.

The site's CCTV captured the raiders, who got away with two chainsaws - 1 x 18inch steel Makita chainsaw and 1 x older 18inch Makita chainsaw.

Two of the masked thieves.

It is believed the quad bike was stolen from a property in Tilbury last week and was used to cause damage to railings on the town's Daisy Field.

Damage at the Daisy Field.

Thurrock District scout commissioner Graham Monk said he was appalled by the damage and spoke of the impact the raid would have, meaning funds would have to be spent on repairs and replacements rather than providing activities for the borough's young people.

He told Thurrock Nub News: "It's a sad indictment of some people in our local community who think if they can't have it, no one is having it.

"It just diverts money that would be put to good use helping young people.

"Hopefully people may be shamed into naming these people and something can be done. The police have been informed."

Anyone who has information on the three people who carried out the raid on the site are asked to pass on information, which can be done anonymously by calling 101 or visiting the Crimestoppers web site.

It is possible the quad bike could be connected to a vandalism attack in nearby Chadwell St Mary last week when a red quad bike was used to uproot newly planted trees.