Thieves break into prison to steal tools

Burglars cut through a perimeter fence to break into Sudbury prison. The brazen crooks then forced open the door of a workshop and made off with metalwork tools used in workshops by prisoners.

Staff at the open prison – home to 581 inmates – discovered the break-in when they arrived for work. One prisoner, returning from day release to Sudbury, said: "Everyone will find this hilarious".

Another inmate, also returning from day release, said: "How can they be expected to keep the prisoners in if they can't keep the burglars out?" The thieves got away with oxy-acetylene cylinders, hoses, tools and a trolley. The break-in was reported to police shortly before 9am on Monday.

A Prison Service spokesperson confirmed: "There was a break in at one of the workshops at HMP Sudbury. This is now a matter for the police."