CADETS from Barry have been left unable to take to sea after vandals broke into their Waterfront storage containers and stole more than £1,000 worth of equipment.

During the raid, which is thought to have taken place between Wednesday and Sunday last week, the solid padlock protecting one container was broken, and a window on a second container was smashed.

A boat motor, boat equipment and a tank of petrol were taken. The thieves also took crutches – oar holders for the boats – which means that the cadets cannot sail.

Boat Officer, PO Dave Smith said: "They were reckless – the windows were smashed and they took the equipment.

"Most of it will probably be useless for them but it has stopped us from going out and the cadets are very disappointed.

"We were lucky enough to have a donation from Aberthaw recently, which we spent on tow boats," he added.

"We wanted to practise for a competition but we will not be able to now. Instead we have to fund-raise to buy more equipment."

It is not the first time the club has been targeted by vandals – the cadets' wooden bench was thrown into the dock in an attack last year and yobs regularly use their boat-lifting crane as a swing.

A caravan used for storage was also pushed into the dock last year.

The club's equipment must now be stored in a safe container further away.

Dave added: "I don’t understand why they do it – everything they break has to be replaced and we have to fundraise for it.

"Now we have to take the equipment back and forth."

The team are appealing for donations to cover the damage, or anyone who can donate crutches to be used with their boats.

If you think you can help, get in touch with Elinor Cross at the Barry & District News.