POLICE are investigating after nearly £10,000 worth of equipment was stolen from a gardener's van in Ludgershall.

The theft took place between 10pm on Tuesday 7 February and 6.45am on Wednesday 8 February from a van belonging to GM Smith Property Services.

A large selection of tools including trimmers, hedge cutters, mowers, electric tools and saws were stolen during the incident.

Owner, Graham Smith, who has run his gardening business for last six years, has described the theft as "soul destroying".

He said: "It's taken six years to build all of that equipment up and someone just comes along and takes it.

"It's soul destroying.

"It's also put my wife on edge. She's been worried about all the windows and doors to the house since it happened."

Mr Smith believes the thieves used an illegal skeleton key to access his van, before making off with the expensive equipment.

Despite his loss, Mr Smith says vowed to keep his business going and has already told customers he is carrying on his work.

The 50-year-old, who works alongside son Marcus, says he has also spent "a significant amount of money" in his security since the incident.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.