SCOUTS have been left high and dry after cheeky thieves stole three canoes by dropping in through the roof.And fuming scout leader David Cleeton said that the canoes have been spotted being used on the ponds in Holywells Park.

SCOUTS have been left high and dry after cheeky thieves stole three canoes by dropping in through the roof.

And fuming scout leader David Cleeton said that the canoes have been spotted being used on the ponds in Holywells Park.

The three red canoes went missing sometime over Easter and all together are worth around £1,000.

A go-kart was also taken during the break-in.

Mr Cleeton said: "They (the thieves) had prized part of the roof off at the back and then climbed inside.

"They then opened a door that is bolted from the inside and just walked out with the three canoes."

One of the canoes was Mr Cleeton's own but the others had been bought for the use of the 18th Ipswich Scout Group, who are based in Cliff Lane.

Although the cubs are not old enough to use them, the canoes are a favourite among the Scouts during the summer.

Mr Cleeton said: "It is mainly a confidence boosting thing to get them interested in sport.

"It helps them get their skills badges and they can also get canoeing certificates."

It is not known exactly when the canoes were taken as there were no meetings during the Easter holiday they went missing somewhere between April 6 and 23.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Pc James Tallowin at Ipswich Police on 01473 613500 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555111.

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