Thieves have broken into the Thanet council depot in Margate has stolen the dog mess clearing machine FIDO.
The all terrain cart which is used to collect dog dirt from the street and convert it to slurry was taken from the depot in Manston Road on Sunday (February 17).
It was found later by police but has suffered substantial damage.
A Thanet council spokesman said: “On Sunday 17 February, Manston Road was broken into and the FIDO was stolen. It was recovered by the police on Sunday night and returned however, it has been substantially damaged.
“It is deeply disappointing that individuals see fit to commit mindless acts of theft, in this case vandalising specialist equipment. We are in contact with our insurers.”
A Kent Police spokesman said: “Kent Police officers recovered a stolen vehicle in a field near to Dane Court Road in Broadstairs at around 1.30am on Monday 18 February.
“Patrols returned the vehicle, which had sustained some damage, to the victim in Manston Road, Margate. Enquiries into the theft are ongoing.”