A £10,000 all-terrain utility vehicle used by conservationists on Epsom Common was stolen on Sunday night.

The Groundhog vehicle was chained to the inside of a secure container, which was itself protected by padlocks and a secure shield, situated up the path from the Stew Pond car park on the common, off Christ Church Road.

It was used to transport tools around the common by volunteer group Ecovols who carry out monthly conservation projects.

John Turner, from Epsom, who has run Ecovols for 10 years, said the thieves "cut away quite a substantial shield and padlocks" to get into the container and then drove the groundhog out of Christ Church Road, on September 14.

The club bought the vehicle seven years ago, using money provided by a grant from Surrey County Council.  

A brush cutter worth £450 was also stolen, which was chained to the inside of the container.

Mr Turner said: "It ferries all our tools around.  It’s a glorified wheelbarrow. 

"We have 450 acres to get round so there’s quite a bit of equipment to keep a dozen volunteers occupied.  It all takes up space. 

"The vehicle was extremely useful.  It’s a bit of a blow to us.

"It has also compromised out security on the site. 

"I don’t know what we’re going to do about storing items on the site in the future."

Your Local Guardian:

The Groundhog vehicle was kept in this secure green container on Epsom Common

He added: "We are right by a footpath and encourage people to come and look at what we’re doing anyway. 

"It’s likely someone sussed out that there was equipment in the container."

Surrey Police have been informed of the theft, but have not visited the site.

Anyone with information should call the Epsom and Ewell countryside team on 01372 372 473 or email Ecovols on ecovols@epsomcommon.org.uk.