WATERSPORTS fan Chris Bishop is furious after thieves stole his £7,500 jet-ski.

Chris, 35, said the machine was his pride and joy and he is desperate to see it returned.

He suspects the jet-ski may have been stolen to order because of the way it was lifted.

The white and blue Yamaha GP 1200R jet-ski, which had a grey cover, was taken from outside Mr Bishop's home at Sandsfoot Court off Old Castle Road in Weymouth during the early hours of the morning.

He said: "My girlfriend Carol Saunders was woken up by a noise at 2am so I suspect the theft happened soon after that.

"There is a security gate at the entrance to the driveway of the flats where I live and it appears the thieves rammed it with a vehicle and then used some rope to keep it open.

"I kept the jet-ski locked up with all sorts of security devices in a spot not visible from the driveway.

"It was a very heavy piece of kit and must have taken quite a few men to lift it."

Mr Bishop, who works as a decorator, has been jet-skiing for more than 10 years.

He added: "I bought the jet-ski in January from a store in Shepton Mallett in January for £7,500.

"It was a huge machine and has 155 brake horsepower.

"Just a day before it was stolen I was out riding 20ft waves off Portland Bill. It was amazing.

"I'm devastated by this theft. I thought it was safe but obviously someone had their eye on it."

West Weymouth police are investigating the theft, which happened early last Tuesday.

Insp Tony Rudd of West Weymouth police said: "Equipment like jet-skis are valuable and desirable pieces of machinery which are often worth the price of a good car."

Insp Rudd said police officers were always willing to give crime prevention advice and he urged people to store valuables safely.

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact 01305 767474.