THE owner of an animal sanctuary in Chester says it's "beyond a joke" how many times the site has been hit by thefts in recent weeks.

Archie Clive, 77, who owns Lache Animal Sanctuary on Green Lane, just off Lache Lane, says heartless thieves have stolen tools, generators and other items four times from the shed and caravan in the past two months.

The latest of the thefts happened on the night of Wednesday, October 3.

Mr Clive, who lives in Holywell, said he estimated that more than £1,000 worth of equipment has been stolen in the four break-ins that have taken place at the sanctuary.

He added: “This time they even stole the wheelbarrow to carry away the stuff they’d stolen.

"It's beyond a joke now. We've been here 30 years and this is very depressing. Tools and chargers and wheelbarrows have been stolen and I'm having to clean up now again as it's like [wartime] Beirut."

Lache Animal Sanctuary is home to donkeys and horses.

A Cheshire police spokesperson said: "At 11am today (Thursday, October 4), police received reports of a burglary at an animal sanctuary on Green Lane in Chester.

"The burglary is believed to have taken place between 4pm on Wednesday, October 3 and 9am on Thursday, October 4 where a number of items were stolen.

"Enquiries remain ongoing to establish those who are responsible and anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire police.

"Please call Cheshire police on 101, quoting IML 202717, give the details via cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."