A FISHERMAN was left devastated after thieves stole two rods given to him by his father as a boy.

The rods were among £5,000 worth of tackle snatched from the roof of his car after it was left outside a Kidderminster pub.

The 39-year-old Kidderminster man parked his silver Vauxhall Astra at the King and Castle in Station Drive at 12.30pm on Sunday, May 1.

Just 20 minutes later the equipment, including a 13ft Maver rod valued at £1,700, had gone.

A spokeswoman for Kidderminster police said: "He had been collecting rods for years and two of the rods, although they are not of high value, have great sentimental value to him because they were given to him by his dad when he was a lad."

Nets and other fishing tackle were also taken.

The spokeswoman added: "This is a large amount of gear to lose and it may be that someone saw this being removed from the roof of the car.

Anyone with information is asked to call Kidderminster police on 08457 444888.