A CHARITY in south Essex has been burgled four times with £60,000 worth of equipment stolen. 

Essex Police is appealing for witnesses after Hadleigh Farm Salvation Army was broken into four times in December. 

Officers say farm equipment and chippers worth around £60,000 was stolen. 

Witnesses are being urged to come forward. 

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Can you help? 

"On December 4 at 8:45pm hours, a barn belonging to Hadleigh Farm Salvation Army was broken into, and a woodchipper was stolen.

"They also targeted another barn and farm equipment was stolen. Suspects left towards Castle Lane, Hadleigh.

"On December 17 at 10:48pm hours, thieves returned and entered a container but did not steal anything, however they did cause damage.

"They entered another barn and stole two woodchippers, valued between £30,000 and £40,000. The thieves left by knocking down a gate with a vehicle towards Castle Lane.

"If you live in the area and saw or heard anything suspicious on either date, please contact us quoting investigation 42/222969/23."