Thieves have set back a Suffolk scout troop's fundraising effort for an extension to its hut after stealing gas cylinders and parts from a boat, including the battery and solar panel.
5th Woodbridge Sea Scouts will have to divert £400 intended for the new building to cover the costs incurred following the thefts from the troop's premises in Tide Mill Way, Woodbridge at around 2.40am on Wednesday, July 26.
The troop's leader Barrie Hayter also revealed the theft had an impact on camping trips involving the scouts to the Norfolk Broads and Cornwall as they were planning to use the gas to power stoves.
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He said instead, the troop had to have open fires, rather than using stoves, although the scouts were by nature adaptable and were able to cope with the difficulties posed by the thefts.
He added: "It is not the money, it is more the time to sort it out and sort the issues caused by the crime."
Mr Hayter said more permanent security fencing would have to be installed to prevent a repeat of the incident.
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The boat 'Isla' had been off the water for repairs when the raid happened, while the thieves broke into a cage to take the 16kg gas cyclinders.
The troop has so far raised £75,000 of the £400,000 for the new extension, which will allow the troop to open more groups and take on more young people from the waiting list.
The expansion will encompass dedicated changing rooms and a versatile multi-purpose area, creating a conducive environment for a wide array of scout programmes and community events.
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"We are working hard to provide for all these kids and people come and make it more difficult by coming and stealing things," Mr Hayter added.
A Suffolk Police spokesperson said police were appealing for witnesses or information relating to the theft.
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She said: "The incident took place at the Sea Scouts premises on Tide Mill Way in the town.
"In the early hours of Wednesday July 26, at around 2.40am, three young male offenders entered the garden and stole two 16kg gas bottles, a solar panel and a car battery."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Woodbridge police quoting crime reference 37/43868/23, or calling 101 or by reporting on the Suffolk Police website.
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