A MAN has been left fuming after he had more than £3,000 worth of tools stolen while working out at the gym.

Ben Hale-Ryan, 39, who works in heating and plumbing, was at a gym in Thundersley when his van was broken into and all of his work tools stolen.

He's now had to rely on tools from friends in other trades to make sure he doesn't have to stop working.

Ben said: "I found the back door had been ripped open and all of the tools were missing.

"The way they had opened it they knew what they were doing.

"I'm fuming. I've had to borrow tools off of friends to keep me going."

Despite the incident happening last Wednesday, Ben still has to wait weeks to get his van repaired.

Another van parked next to him was also broken into.

Ben is now urging others to not leave any tools or valuables in their vehicles.

He added: "Never leave your tools lying around. They were professionals and they knew what they were doing."