We’re sure our readers will agree that stealing property from other people is despicable.

It seems like every week we cover court cases or police appeals regarding thefts in the area.

However, there is an even lowlier form of theft, that isn’t the theft of a physical object, and that is the theft of someone’s livelihood.

Which is why it’s so galling to see tradesmen’s tools targeted by criminals.

As The Mail reports on page 11, an investigation has been launched after tradesmen were targeted during a one-night crime spree.

Several tradesmen reported having had equipment burgled from their garages and from sheds at their Stone Croft homes - a cul-de-sac less than half a mile from Ambleside town centre.

To steal another’s livelihood, to disrupt the way they earn their wage is a much more callous theft than that of an object.

Stealing property can be devastating to the owners, and they make take a financial hit, but to hinder the way someone feeds themselves, and keeps a roof over the heads of their family, is the lowest of the low.

Cumbria Police has also confirmed it will crack down on quad bike thefts from agricultural workers, which is a very similar crime.

Anyone with information about the crime should call police on 101.