THIEVES broke in to a centre for disabled people and stole thousands of pounds of equipment.

Two storage sheds containing gardening tools were raided in the grounds of Waltham Forest Disability Centre in Warner Road, Walthamstow,

Expensive Mowers, hedge strimmers and spades, which are used by members of the popular gardening club to maintain an area on the site, were among the items taken.

It is unclear how the valuable items will be replaced as the centre is not insured for thefts from its storage sheds.

Elizabeth Blewett, who co-ordinates Reaching Out, for Disability Action, a charity based at the centre, said: “Whoever did this would have been observing and would have known this equipment was used by people with disabilities. It is a terrible shame.”

The centre's gardening club is held twice a week and attended by dozens of people with disabilities.

But tomorrow (Friday) the gardeners will be told they cannot work as most of the equipment has been stolen. Margaret Elias, WFDC co-ordinator said: “The garden is a part of the open space of the centre, it is enjoyed by everyone.”

She said the centre has been targeted by thieves and trespassers in the past, leading it to keep all the doors permanently locked.

Ms Blewett saw a man in the grounds at about 6pm on Tuesday, who told her he needed to retrieve a ball for his dog.

She was busy escorting a blind person at the time and does not know whether the man is in anyway linked to the theft.

WFDC is run by and for people with physical and sensory disabilities and offers a range of daily activities, including art classes, IT lessons and yoga.

Disability Action Waltham Forest helps socially isolated people with disabilities.

Anybody who can donate gardening equipment to the group should call the centre on 8520 8347.

The break-in happened between 6pm on Tuesday and 8am yesterday morning.

Anybody with any information should call police on 8721 2035 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.