THE managing director of a woodland burial ground near Astwood Bank believes thieves who stole £8,000 of machinery, equipment and tools pre-planned the raid, writes Melina Cannon.

David Tolley said the offices and equipment shed at Westall Park burial ground, Holberrow Green, were broken into and garden and ground maintenance machinery, generating equipment and power tools taken on January 2.

A Redditch police spokesman said police were appealing for witnesses to the incident or anyone who was approached to buy tools, including cutting equipment and lawn mowers, to come forward.

Mr Tolley said the fact the machinery was covered by insurance was 'a small consolation' since Westall Park was in the middle of a major development programme to meet increasing demand.

Anyone with information can call CID or Crabbs Cross police on 584888.