Jamie Suttle was intending to celebrate his birthday on Tuesday, but celebrations were spoiled by the discovery of the theft from his home in Thurston.

Overnight, thieves broke into the family's van and took carp fishing equipment, which had been left from a trip the day before to celebrate his birthday.

They then raided the family's garage and took more equipment, including bivouacs, night fishing equipment, chairs and sleeping bags.

Jamie, who is studying painting and decorating at West Suffolk College, in Bury St Edmunds, had collected the fishing equipment over the past eight years and specialises in carp fishing at a lake in Norfolk.

He said: "I'm completely gutted. They took everything. They got everything they wanted and also took some of my brother's fishing equipment and my dad'stools."

Among items taken were Chubb rods and Emblem reels. A double blow for the family was that the equipment taken from the van was not covered by insurance.

Andrew Suttle, Jamie's father, said it appeared the thieves had climbed over a hedge to get into the back garden.

Mr Suttle said: "People rang Jamie to wish him a happy birthday but he just couldn't talk. He was so upset."

Anyone with information about the theft should call Suffolk Police on 01284 774100 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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