TOOLS and copper piping were stolen from a house undergoing building work in Chalfont St Peter this week.

The overnight break-in happened between the builders leaving for the day at 4pm on Monday and when they returned at 8.45am the following Tuesday.

The culprits forced their way into the house through a side door before making off with items including a breaker, two stroke disc cutters, two electric drills, a mini grinder and an angle grinder, as well as a large quantity of copper piping.

Thames Valley Police has today launched an appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Investigating officer PC Gary Morton said: "Due to the items that have been stolen, it would require at least a van to transport them as they would not fit into a car.

"If anyone has seen anything suspicious around the time of the incident please contact police."

Officers have not released details of the address of the house which was broken into.

Anyone with information should contact PC Morton on 101, or the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.