A Stevenage grandfather has slammed the “low lives” who broke into his shed and stole hundreds of pounds worth of equipment and says in no uncertain terms they should “get a job”.

Burglars climbed over a back gate at the sheltered housing in Scarborough Avenue, in the Symonds Green area of the town, where Robert Mortlock lives with his wife.

They unbolted the gate from the inside and then broke into the shed.

They stole £650 worth of goods including a tool box, tools, model aircraft and a compressor,

Mr Mortlock, 62, said: “They are complete low lives, they should go and get a job.

“We feel violated and my wife feels frightened.

“They are probably just drug addicts looking for a score.

“It’s the second time I’ve noticed the gate has been unbolted and we’ve had problems with people hanging round out the back of the houses here.”

Police are now appealing for information and witnesses to the burglary which happened between 10pm on Wednesday and 9.30am on Thursday this week.

Anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area between the times stated, or has any further information that could help police, should call 101 quoting crime reference E1/17/7631.