Thieves have broken into Budleigh Salterton’s Scout hut for the fifth time this year – this time stealing at least �700 worth of equipment.

Intruders broke into the Halse Hill base by lifting up the roof to steal equipment, including compasses, tools, games and maps, between October 7 and October 10.

Previously, thieves have stolen other equipment, such as tents.

Scout leader Alan Lowe said they would continue to hold meetings at the Venture Hall, which they had been doing for the past four years.

But he said he was hopeful that, in the future, they would be in a position to upgrade the hall, add more security features and move back in.

He had no doubt that the theft of yet more equipment would affect Scouting activities.

He said: “The hut is ideal for scouting purposes. Unfortunately, it is not ideal as far as security is concerned.

“We have had a number of burglaries. We padlocked the door and the padlocks were broken.

“We secured the door and they broke through the wall. We secured the wall and they lifted up the roof and broke in that way.

“We just can’t catch them. We thought that by storing some things in there temporarily for a few days that they would be safe.

“But whoever did it obviously knew what was in there.”

He added that even the foundations of the hut had been undermined.

“The compasses cost hundreds of pounds and these will have to be replaced and, with the repairs, it all costs money.”

If you think you can help, call the police on 101, quoting crime reference number KE/11/2661.