CROOKS have stolen an outboard motor worth thousands of pounds from a sailing club.

Thieves targeted the Stour Sailing Club in Manningtree between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

A Mariner 15hp, four stroke engine, with silver metal engine hood and a black propeller was taken.

The engine is worth around £4,500.

Sailing club commodore David Warner has called for members to be vigilant but said this was a one-off incident.

He said: “It is very unfortunate."

Anyone with information regarding the theft or who has been offered the engine to buy is asked to contact PC Kevin Ward at Harwich Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.