POLICE are hunting thieves who smashed their way into a workshop to steal sculptures worth thousands of pounds.

The raiders broke into the premises in Lastingham, on the North York Moors, between 4pm on Sunday and 7am on Monday.

They removed a gate to the yard before smashing down a door and then using a power saw to break into a metal container.

They then stole a trailer – containing various tools – to escape from the scene with their haul.

Statues taken included a mythical beast, a baby bird, a sundial, birdbaths and a number of planters.

The total of items stolen was more than £8,000 and damage caused during the break-in is estimated at hundreds of pounds.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845-60-60- 24-7.