Police in Hertfordshire are hunting two ambitious teenage joyriders who tried to take a helicopter for a spin.
The pair struck while the unlocked aircraft was parked in a field at Letchworth Rugby Club, reports Sky News.
The pilot, in his 40s, returned from a meeting to find an iPod, first aid kit, torches and fire extinguisher stolen.
He then discovered that the light-fingered culprits had also undertaken the first stages of starting the engine.
After carrying out safety checks, the helicopter owner took off and hovered at low altitude to check nothing was awry.
At this point he spotted two teenagers, both with bicycles, hiding in a bush nearby and watching him.
PC Quentin Lane, who is investigating the incident, said the pilot discovered that a series of electrical switches had been tampered with.
One youth is described as white, aged about 15, and was wearing a grey and white hooded top. The second is slightly younger and was wearing a camouflage top.
The pilot travels regularly between Berkshire and Letchworth on business and had an arrangement with the rugby club to use their property to park.
The pair struck while the unlocked aircraft was parked in a field at Letchworth Rugby Club, reports Sky News.
The pilot, in his 40s, returned from a meeting to find an iPod, first aid kit, torches and fire extinguisher stolen.
He then discovered that the light-fingered culprits had also undertaken the first stages of starting the engine.
After carrying out safety checks, the helicopter owner took off and hovered at low altitude to check nothing was awry.
At this point he spotted two teenagers, both with bicycles, hiding in a bush nearby and watching him.
PC Quentin Lane, who is investigating the incident, said the pilot discovered that a series of electrical switches had been tampered with.
One youth is described as white, aged about 15, and was wearing a grey and white hooded top. The second is slightly younger and was wearing a camouflage top.
The pilot travels regularly between Berkshire and Letchworth on business and had an arrangement with the rugby club to use their property to park.
