THIEVES have made off with hundreds of pounds worth of gym and fishing equipment in two separate raids.

Thieves accessed an insecure barn on Chester Road, Oakenholt, to seize the expensive gym equipment.

Items snatched in the barn theft, which was reported to the police on Saturday, were valued at about £2,000 and included a York training multigym, discweights, dumbells and weightlifting belts.

Sgt John Williams, neighbourhood policing sergeant for Flintshire, said: “I would urge anyone who saw a vehicle outside the property or witnessed the theft to contact police. Due to the nature of the equipment stolen it would appear they make have taken their vehicle onto the land or in the yard itself.

“This incident also highlights the need for everyone to make sure they secure outbuildings as well as their own homes. Unfortunately there are people on the lookout for any opportunity, as this incident shows.”

Thieves also broke into a shed at a house in Bagillt to gain fishing equipment.

The break-in to the shed on Bron y Wern, Bagillt, occurred between 11am on Thursday and 12.30pm on Friday and led to items being taken from a rucksack including Delkim alarms, receivers and illuminated swingers, headlamps and a rod licence.

Sgt Williams, who said the items are valued at about £700, added: “What has been taken is specialist stuff. We have taken the crime details and would urge people to come forward if they have seen anything.

“We believe that whoever carried out this theft knew what was in the shed and has gone specifically because of the fishing equipment. This was all that was taken from the shed.”

Ray Moyden, chairman of the Friends of Bagillt Foreshore and a keen fishing enthusiast, said that fishermen are often a target for thieves .

He said: “There is a very small minority of individuals who target fishermen and their equipment. The stuff they steal can be sold and used regularly and it is very sad this should be happening.

Anyone with information on the incidents should contact North Wales Police on 101 or 0845 6071002.