Cruel thieves ransacked the premises of the Ardrossan and Largs Sea Cadets – stealing thousands of pounds of equipment.

The thieves broke in to the compound the group uses to house its equipment and hold meetings, and nicked items including boat engines, war medals and even the contents of the tuck shop.

Police say enquiries are ongoing into the incident, which took place between August 17 and 23, with officers issuing a plea for information.

Kenny Bell, who leads the Ardrossan and Largs group, believes the thieves broke in to the area via the railway tracks which run parallel to the site.

He explained: “It’s really disappointing and a big blow to the group but unfortunately we just have to get on with things.

“We think they broke in from the railway line and had come up the tracks before bursting through the fence and gaining entry to the compound.

“They kicked in the rear door of the main building and went through all our containers, looking for whatever they could steal.

“Luckily they didn’t really vandalise the place too much but we reckon at least £10,000 worth of equipment was stolen.”

Kenny reveals valuable engines were taken, as well as historic war medals and even juice and sweets from the group’s tuck shop.

He said: “They got in to the petty cash safe and stole about £100, and also ransacked the little tuck shop we have for the kids which included fizzy juice, crisps and chocolate bars.

“They took away a big, 20-horsepower engine that belonged to the Ayr Sea Cadets, and ripped a 10-horsepower engine from the back of one of our boats which damaged the steering and controls.

“The local British Legion were storing some medals with us and they are gone, which is a real shame for all of those guys.

“They must have had a vehicle to get it all out of the area, and there must have been quite a few of them too as the engines are very heavy.”

The cadets have around 20 members, with most from the three towns area but others from West Kilbride and Largs.

They take part in activities including powerboating and rowing, and also go on visits to Royal Navy vessels stationed across Scotland.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We are carrying out enquiries following a break-in to premises on Harbour Road in Ardrossan which happened sometime between Tuesday, August 17 and Wednesday, August 23.

“Anyone who knows who is responsible should call Police Scotland on 101 quoting 3494 of August 23, 2023."