Thieves chopped down trees in order to steal hot tub

Thieves have chopped down two trees to steal a £9,150 hot tub from a garden at a property near Canterbury. They managed to take the expensive item from the deck of a summerhouse in Patrixbourne despite the fact that when the tub was delivered it had to be lifted into place by crane.

The theft of the white and brown HotSpring Envoy hot tub, which has a built-in music system, took place in Station Road some time between 9am on December 6 and 2pm on December 8. Investigating officer PC Karen Robson said: "This wasn't the work of an opportunist - the thieves have gone to extreme lengths to steal this hot tub. They have cut down two trees and may have used a vehicle with lifting equipment to lift it over the boundary fence.



"Otherwise it would have needed several people to get the hot tub out as it weighed around 450kg without water." Police are appealing for anyone who saw the theft taking place to contact them. "The thieves may have appeared to have been legitimate workmen when in fact they were stealing the hot tub. I would like to hear from anyone who saw them or the vehicle they used," PC Robson said.

"I would also like to hear from anyone who knows where the hot tub is now, or has been offered it for sale. This is an expensive item and I am keen to see it returned to its rightful owner." The owner of the posh tub, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "We still can't believe the lengths someone has gone to in order to steal the hot tub. We hope this appeal will jog someone's memory and they contact the police. The hot tub was only a year old and we would very much like it back."