CALLOUS burglars have stolen a haul of specialist items and two vehicles worth more than £54,000 belonging to a Runcorn adventure care company.

The computers, cameras, sports and media equipment which were taken are used to give children and adults with autism the chance to travel and develop new skills.

Intruders were caught on CCTV forcing their way into M-Power Activity Services in Picow Farm Road in two separate early morning break-ins.

Director John Dixon said: “Staff feel that this is a personalised attack on vulnerable people.

“All of us have been shocked and upset by it.

“It feels like a kick in the teeth when we are doing a service for the community.”

The company provides outdoor and recreational adventure activities ranging from water rafting, kayaking and climbing to canoeing, mountain biking and archery.

Mr Dixon said: “We take small groups out so they can develop their social skills as well as doing activities you or I would love to do.

“We have seen massive improvements in their confidence.

“It is very rewarding work.”

Mountain bikes and archery equipment were stolen on March 31.

Computers containing thousands of photographs taken by a media group in Canada, Iceland and America were stolen between 1.30am and 2.45am on April 9.

A Chrysler Grand Voyager and Vauxhall minibus used to pick clients up and take on trips were stolen.

One of the vehicles had been used by intruders to ram a gate.

Mr Dixon added: “The people we help have learning disabilities and autism.

“We give them the opportunity to do things they would never have the chance to do.

“We are trying to make sure this has very little impact on our clients. We are hiring vehicles at a cost of £100 a day for each one.

“Any change is very emotional and difficult for people on the autism spectrum.

“We want to put something back into the community.

“Our clients are absolutely amazing. They are very strong individuals.

“We don’t understand why we are being targeted.”

PC Adam Bolger from Runcorn Neighbourhood Policing Unit said: “This incident has had a major impact and is affecting the services this company provides.

“We are currently following a number of lines of enquiry.”

An Apple desktop computer and two Acer laptops were among the items stolen.

Police have now recovered the two stolen vehicles and they are currently being examined by crime scene investigators.

CCTV captured two offenders breaking in.

The first offender is white, slim build, with a gaunt face, wearing a stripy bobble hat and black gloves.

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 quoting incident number 119 of 9/4/2015.

Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.