Burglars ransacked offices and stole a safe and police bike before damaging a fast food van.

Police officers are investigating the incident at Phillimore Recreation Ground, in Radlett, which happened between 3.30am and 4.30am on Wednesday morning.

The burglars climbed over a fence and forced a window open before crawling into the main depot and stealing a safe.

They then forced a window open at the pavilion and ransacked the offices, stealing a police community support officer’s bike, which they later discarded along with the safe.

Damage was also caused to a fast food van, which was due to start trading over the Easter weekend.

Peter Evans, manager of Aldenham Parish Council, said the damage to the van was so severe that an event on April 2 to mark its launch has had to be postponed.

Mr Evans said: “People are shocked. The pavilion has been there for years and has had occasional vandalism but nothing like that. This is the first time we have had any problems.

“It’s frustrating because we were all geared up to do a new launch and we have had to pull the plug. It’s a real shame.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hertfordshire Police on 101.