A £450 gazebo used at public events by charity St Albans Cats Protection has been stolen.

The structure was taken along with four carriers and a cage after a break-in at their garage on Watling View East.

Coordinator Sandi Downing said: “The gazebo is essential for our fundraising.

“When we are out on a field, it helps us stand out and puts us out there.”

Thieves stole the items after sawing through the garage lock.

They took off with goods worth over £500.

Supporter Helena Peck, who has raised £6,000 for the charity said: “It’s absolutely disgusting.

“Why would anyone want to steal a Cats Protection gazebo?

“All this money we raised was going to be used for things we need but now it’s going to be used to pay for a new gazebo.”

The charity is unable to claim for the full cost of the gazebo on their insurance, and can only recuperate around £100.

Herts Police isappealing for witnesses and have urged anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area between 1am on Monday, February 20 and 9am on Thursday, March 9 to call Herts Police on 101.