In May, the group's headquarters in St Faiths Drive at Gaywood, near the Tesco store, was burgled and a computer, printer and portable television taken.

And two weeks later, thieves stole about 12 Calor Gas bottles, used on camping projects, after forcing the gate on a secured outdoor storage cage at the premises. Two commercial-type trailers used to carry the gas bottles and camping equipment were also taken.

Scout group chairman Jonathan Neve said: "This has left us with the need to completely revamp our security situation at significant expense and substantially out of pocket for replacements, although an insurance claim is pending."

Mr Neve said the computer was an old one, "but it had stuff on it which we are going to miss" and replacing it would probably cost £300-plus. And the gas bottles had recently been refilled and would be expensive to replace.

"The trailers are crucial for camping and taking our gear and I dread to think what replacing them is going to cost," he added.

Mr Neve said it was young people being hit by the break-ins as the scout group was a charitable organisation, providing healthy, recreational and educational activities for about 100 boys and girls, aged between seven and 14, over four evenings a week.

"We only have limited voluntary funds and have to find a way of replacing the stolen items," he said. "We would welcome any help or sponsorship towards that end."

Mr Neve said the group would also like to hear from anyone with information about those responsible for the break-ins to pass onto the police. He can be contacted on 01553 760354.