THIEVES who used fence cutters to break in to Malmesbury Garden Centre overnight on Sunday, stole pond pumps worth between £3,000 and £4,000.

The black pumps, of differing sizes, were stolen from a greenhouse at the garden centre on Crudwell Road, after thieves got over a chain-link fence and smashed a 15-inch hole in the glass.

The Hozelock Cyprio pumps were all in boxes.

A number of different types were stolen including Vorton and ultra-violet Clarifiers, which have ultra-violet sensors.

Garden centre owner Andy Nurden said the thieves had managed to evade the centre's video cameras.

The security equipment costing nearly £8,000 was installed six months ago, following the theft of a £9,000 Nissan van from the centre a year ago.

"They knew exactly where to go and where there was possibly a blind spot," said Mr Nurden, 48.

He said he fears the pumps will be sold on at car boot sales.

"We would consider offering a reward, and the amount is negotiable, for any information given to the police to catch the culprits," he said.

Mr Nurden said the thieves are thought to have come across the fields from Charlton Park, and entered the from the rear.

Anyone with information should call Malmesbury police on (01666) 822222.