Brazen moped thieves masked with balaclavas smashed their way into a kiosk and vending machines and stole children’s toys, the manager claims.

The “callous” break-in is the latest in a string of attacks on Aldenham Country Park, which is beginning to feel the effects of having to constantly pay out to repair the damage.

Last week, the Watford Observer revealed the popular park had been targeted when thieves broke in three times in one week.

But this week, on the night of June 9, robbers on mopeds broke into the Clock House Kiosk while vending machines full of children’s toys were destroyed.

The thieves are also believed to have taken food and drink.

Operations manager David Martin has condemned the “lowlifes” who have been causing carnage across the park.

He said: “It’s absolutely shocking that this is happening. There are clearly callous people out there. They are lowlifes and it is outrageous that we have hooded men breaking into a children’s park.”

Last week, the special education needs centre was broken into when the kitchen door was smashed, but nothing was taken.

The monkey nets were destroyed around two weeks ago for the second time – the first time, last year, it cost £8,000 to repair.

Following the latest attack on the park, staff have made the decision to remove children’s rides from the site.

The country park, which was saved a few years ago from closing, relies on its own income and it now feeling the strain.

Mr Martin added: “The monkey nets in the woodlands help with children’s education.

“We have many ways to try and raise money for the park so we can continue to provide as much as possible for the people who come.

“We have a farm where we can sell produce and cattle. We grow our own fruit and veg. And we try and run educational programmes and hold birthday parties, as well as car parking, to get that extra income.”

Police told the Watford Observer that “nothing was taken” in the latest break in.

In a statement, it said: “Between 6pm on Saturday, June 9 and 10am on Sunday, June 10, offender(s) gained entry to the Clock House Kiosk in Aldenham Country Park.

Entry was gained by forcing a door. Nothing was reported stolen. All lines of enquiry have been completed but any new information that comes to light will be acted on accordingly. Anyone with any information should contact Hertfordshire Constabulary on the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/6185/18.”

If anyone would like to support the country park or sponsor events, you can contact David Martin at david@aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk