WORCESTER Sea Cadets were left in "tears" after they too became victim to a spate of thefts hitting the city.

The "despicable people" cut the engine from the charity's safety boat and let one of its rowing boats drift off into the weir at Diglis Basin, by releasing it from its mooring.

It is one of sevral cases of theft to hit the area in a matter of weeks, and the group's vice-chairman says the 40 children who make up the sea cadets were heart-broken when they found out what had happened.

Siobhan Gordan said: "I just can't believe it. The knock-on effect means that 40 children are very upset, there were a lot of tears when they saw what had happened.

"They raised some of the money for the boats themselves so it's very distressing for them. Being on the water is their passion."

The Trinity rowing boat, built specifically for cadets use, is undamaged but with the £1,800 engine cut from the safety boat on Sunday morning, it means a number of the children can not get back on the water due to health and safety measures.

It took the cadets two years and around £8,000 to put together its fleet of two rowing boats and a safety boat- they had only had the safety boat for eight weeks.

The money was raised through grants, donations and a number of fundraising events hosted by the cadets, who are aged between 10 and 18 years old.

Insurance will cover the costs of damage.

In response to the theft Paula Dyde, chairman of the cadets, posted on its Facebook page: "Thank you so very much to the despicable people that had the audacity to steal the motor from our Sea Cadet Safety boat during the wee small hours of Sunday morning.

"But what I want to thank you for mostly is that you have now deprived our young cadets from experiencing boating on our beautiful river Severn.

"Someone bless you, as it will not be I, for your selfish and cruel actions.

"I trust you are very proud of yourselves."

She confirmed the charity is looking at further security measures, but it would mean extra costs.

On Monday night the engine of Diglis resident Noel Connolly's boat was cut out, which is estimated to be worth around £1,200.

Jason Pinder's Diglis Basin workshop was burgled around three weeks ago, in which around £600 worth of tools were taken.

A fourth boat is understood to have been ransacked a few days later, also while moored in Diglis Basin.

The call for extra police patrols in the area has been sounded by the victims and the police have responded.

Chief Inspector Rebecca Love said; "We are investigating the theft of two boat engines from boats moored in the Diglis Dock Basin earlier this week. "Both crimes are believed to be linked.

"The thefts are being thoroughly investigated and patrols are being carried out in the area.

"We are keen to work with the Sea Cadets to increase their security in the area; any theft is distressing but particularly so when something a community has raised money for is intentionally damaged or stolen.

"Our enquiries into the thefts continue but if anyone has been offered a mariner boat engine for sale or saw anything suspicious in the area we would urge them to get in touch by calling 101 and quoting incident 339s of July 27."

Anyone with information should call 101.