ANGLER Steve Booth is devastated after thieves stole all his fishing gear worth about £6,000.

Mr Booth spends most of his free time river fishing and it has taken years for him to build up the quality equipment for his hobby.

Thieves stole the kit after breaking into a secure metal shed near Mr Booth’s home in Portmore Gardens, Weymouth, some time during the night. The shed is situated behind flats, away from the road.

Among the haul was a Shimano Beastmaster pole worth £3,500.

Also taken were two Daiwa feeder rods, two Maver rods, beach casters, an umbrella, sea fishing gear and other various poles.

The thieves also escaped with a petrol hedge cutter and a strimmer.

Mr Booth, 46, who is a caretaker for the flats at Portmore Gardens and also works as a lorry driver, said: “I’m absolutely gutted.

“I’ve been building my kit up for years and the Shimano pole I’ve only had for 18 months. I just couldn’t believe it when I found out, all of it gone.

“They broke through two high security locks on the shed and must have made a lot of noise.

“After I discovered the burglary I then realised my house insurance ran out a few days before so I’m not covered. What a nightmare.”

Mr Booth is also a driver for the local folk rock band The Dolmen, who play all over Europe as well as around the UK.

When he’s not working or driving the band between gigs he is fishing, competing in club matches.

Mr Booth said: “Fishing is what I do and this burglary has left me devastated.

“Fishing gear is expensive and it’s taken a while to get all my stuff. These people knew what they were after.

“I’m offering a small reward to anyone who has information that will lead to the conviction of those responsible.”

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “We received a call reporting a break to a metal shed in the communal area of Portmore Gardens, Wey-mouth. The incident happened sometime between 5.30pm on July 10 and 6.40am on July 11.

“Nobody was seen. Fishing equipment and electrical garden tools were taken.”

Witnesses and anyone with information can contact Dorset Police in confidence on 101.