Powerboat engines stolen from Exmoor lake

Avon and Somerset Police are appealing for the public's help to identify those involved in the theft

Thieves have stolen 10 powerboat engines from boats moored on an Exmoor lake.

Avon and Somerset Police said the boats were targeted at Wimbleball Lake, near Dulverton, overnight on Sunday 11 and Monday 12 August between 22:00 and 5:00 BST.

PCSO Supervisor, Katherine Williams, says the financial value of the crime is "significant" to the South West Lakes Trust which manages Wimbleball.

Police have been carrying out CCTV enquiries and have also stepped up patrols in the area since the thefts.

Ms Williams said: "We know the area is a popular dog walking spot and therefore hope there may have been someone out walking late on Sunday or early on Monday who may have seen something out of the ordinary."

She added: "We have spoken to people who were staying nearby as part of our investigation and would ask anyone with information to please get in touch."

Matt Lennox, Head of Activities at the South West Lakes Trust, said: “We are deeply disappointed that this will affect our ability to get people of all ages out on the water this summer, as well as impact the rowing and sailing clubs valued by so many local people.

"We would urge anyone with information to contact the police.”