THIEVES stole £4,000 worth of tools from a van taking part in the BBC's DIY SOS.

Film crews and builders are in the region this week to record an episode to be aired later this year, and contractors who take part give up their time and work for free.

Humberside Police said the Mercedes Sprinter van was broken into overnight on Wednesday, while parked in Main Street, Bilton, East Yorkshire.

Sergeant Neil Taylor from Humberside Police said: "The kind-hearted victim had filled his van and was going to volunteer to help the team from the BBC television programme ‘DIY SOS’ in Hessle.

"He was offering to do his bit for the community and someone has now taken his tools. We want to try and get them back to him so he can help out with the building project. Please call us with any information you may have in relation to this."

Presenter of the show, Nick Knowles, took to social media to criticise the thieves, saying they did not represent the local community and he was disappointed that prosecutions had little effect in many cases.

He said: "I know the Police get so frustrated that even when they catch the perpetrators the courts fail to take it seriously.

"Tradesmen having tools stolen & courts fining tiny amounts. Understand how serious it is. It stops decent people working so protect them!!"

Anyone with information should phone Humberside Police on 101 quoting reference 16/43925/18.