THOUSANDS of pounds worth of rabbiting nets and traps were stolen from a Bridport company.

Pat Pearce, co-owner of Bridport Nets, discovered the break-in after thieves broke the lock.

He said thieves had been careful to target only the nets used to catch rabbits, a sport that’s becoming more and more popular thanks to celebrity chefs singing the praises of the meat.

Mr Pearce is still working out the value of the stock stolen but it is around £2,000 to £3,000, he said.

He added: “We were lucky, it looks as though they were disturbed.”

PC Caroline Orchard of Bridport Police said: “The offenders ransacked the unit looking for items and it appears they may have been disturbed as items were located in the yard close by.

The break-in happened over the weekend. Witnesses can contact police on 01305 222222.