CALLOUS thieves have left scouts in Uphill in the dark by stealing their lanterns.

CALLOUS thieves have left scouts in Uphill in the dark by stealing their lanterns.

Three were taken from a container outside 1st Uphill Scout Group's headquarters, in Windwhistle Lane, over the Christmas period.

The Coleman dual fuel lights were to be used by the youngsters for a camping trip in the Lake District later this year.

Scout leader Mark Whitehouse said: "The lamps were taken from an area that was not as secure as it should have been.

"Strangely they only took three of four, which were stowed in the container.

"Security has been beefed up as a result and alarms have been installed throughout the headquarters and the container.

"This is a real shame and the boys will have to raise the money to replace them by holding coffee mornings and packing bags at the Asda store."

Each lantern, which can be powered by unleaded fuel, cost around £70 each and were stolen some time between December 22 and January 2.

The exact date is unknown due to the remoteness of the location and because the buildings were not in use during the festive period.

Police are investigating the matter and are asking for anyone who was in the area at the time to contact Weston Police Station, in Walliscote Road, on 0845 456 7000.

Officers also want to hear from anyone who has been offered the lanterns.