HEARTBROKEN youth club members have had more than £12,000 of top equipment stolen by callous thieves.

Walkford Youth Club, which is based at Wingfields recreation ground in Highcliffe, was targeted over the weekend with thieves making off with thousands of pounds of high-tech equipment from a secured shipping container.

Equipment included Apple laptops and a computer, games consoles, including hand held devices and a PA system.

It is understood the break-in took place between Friday, April 17, and Monday, April 20, just after extra security was added.

Youth club volunteers had noticed locks had been tampered with and had replaced them with sturdier devices but to no avail.

Jason Perry, from the youth club, said: "To steal from children is just horrible. I could've cried.

"Whoever did this is the lowest of the low.

"We are now in negotiations with the insurance company and I don't know how long it will take to get sorted.

"That container was as secure as it could possibly get.

"It's fine when the weather is good as they left the outdoor equipment but all the indoor stuff has gone.

"I really hope this doesn't affect the club, we've been doing so well."

At a meeting of Christchurch council the club was presented with a meritorious award, with youngsters collecting the honour from deputy mayor, Cllr Nick Geary.

The meeting of the full council heard the club was set up in October 2010 at the instigation of some parents, the council, and the local police to help give the youngsters of the area something to do in their spare time as there are no play facilities in the area for children of any age.

Cllr Geary, who is a founding member of the youth club, along with fellow ward councillor Sally Derham-Wilkes, said: "I am very upset and disappointed for all these young people.

"I would hope that the perpetrator has got a conscience about stealing from children.

"Anyone with any information should contact the police.

"We have worked so hard and as we are independent do not have any funding from anyone else."

The youth club has 400 youngsters on their register and were looking to expand.

Cllr David Flagg has donated a 37 inch surround sound television and Blu-ray player to the youngsters.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police confirmed they had been called to the incident. No-one has been arrested in connection with the thefts.