POLICE are appealing for help in tracking down a burglar who stole hundreds of pounds worth of tools from a Trowbridge pensioner.

Officers believe the burglar would have had to cross several gardens to reach the shed in Drynham Lane, where the 71-year-old kept his tools locked up.

A padlock was cut off and tools worth £840, including a yellow and black Dewalt hammer drill and jigsaw were stolen.

The burglary occurred between May 26 and 27.

Case officer PC Mac Mclellan said the pensioner used the tools for his hobby and was upset at the loss.

"It is ironic that he did the right thing, by locking his tools away in his shed, but still offenders managed to steal them," he said.

"I believe someone in the area must have seen or heard something unusual overnight, and I would urge them to contact the police as soon as possible."