HEARTLESS thieves left a leading councillor “sickened” after taking toys and equipment from a Dudley children’s playground.

Thieves stole items worth a total of £3,000 for the Dudley Council-run Sycamore Adventure on Old Park Farm Estate during incidents on January 17 and 28.

Stolen items include power tools used by staff for the upkeep of the centre plus three senior Berg go-karts.

Councillor Tim Crumpton, cabinet member for children’s services and lifelong learning, said: “I am sickened by the actions of these thieves. These are local children who are the victims of this crime and we are working with police to catch the culprits.

“I strongly urge anyone who knows anything about the burglary or the stolen items to contact the police immediately.”

An appeal has gone out to anyone who can provide any information about the missing items which also include aDewalt sander, a Makita hand held circular saw, a Makita two-speed Hammer Drill, a Shindaiwa 2T leaf blower, a Makita Jigsaw, a STIHL Strimmer and a JCB hand held power drill.

All items were marked and can be identified as belonging to Sycamore Adventure. Due to terms on the insurance policy of the centre the items will not be able to be replaced.

To report any information with regard to this crime please contact Dudley police on number 101.