DETECTIVES are hunting thieves who escaped with fishing equipment estimated to be worth about £50,000 from an exhibition being held at a Kent leisure centre.

The theft happened at the Cascades Leisure Centre in Thong Lane, Gravesend, sometime between 7.30pm on Sunday (November 13) and 7.30am on Monday (November(14).

The raiders gained entry to the sports hall at the centre by smashing through a wall. It appears they then used a transit style van to steal the fishing equipment from the exhibition that was being held in the hall over the weekend. The van was then driven across the field towards Thong Lane.

DC Chris Mason, the officer investigating the incident said: “I would urge anyone who may have seen a van or any activity in the Cascades Leisure Centre between 7.30pm and 7.30am the following day to contact the police. They could have information that may help with our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Chris Mason at North Kent Police quoting reference 25627 on 01474 565167 or Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – calls to this number are free and you may be eligible for a reward.