A “BRAZEN” thief broke into a farm container and stole valuable equipment from an open farm – only weeks after the site was targeted.

A masked man was caught on camera rushing into a storage unit at Smithills Open Farm in Bolton at around 9.55pm on Monday and stealing drill batteries and a petrol leaf blower.

The theft comes four weeks after criminals entered the Smithills Dean Road premises and took an array of drills in three trips on the same day.

It is thought around £1,500 of goods have been stolen.

A spokeswoman for the farm said: "We have been really busy getting the grass and the wheat on the field and we have a big workshop and that was left open.

"This lad must have been watching what was happening from the dark.

"He literally ran straight into the container and grabbed an armful of drill batteries and took a leaf blower on the way out.

"Only four weeks ago at least two people came and took drills and a grinder three times in the same day.

"The leaf blower was worth £250 on its own and items that have been stolen is a value of around £1,500.

"They are all goods that will have to be replaced."

The farm has condemned the culprits.

The spokeswoman said: "It is just the cheek of it.

"He has obviously just been waiting for the moment to steal.

"It is so brazen. These thieves just think they can do what they want and it is hardworking people like us that are being ripped off by these scumbags.

"We are just getting back on our feet after being closed during the lockdown."

Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for details.

If you have any information contact police on 101.