An online appeal for help tracking down stolen equipment worth thousands has been launched by businessman Jeff Sousa.

“That’s what I woke up to this morning — my son informing me that these things had been taken,” said Mr Sousa of the landscaping merchandise, stolen the night before from a Southampton facility.

The Warwick West MP posted a Facebook plea, with pictures, for help tracking down the items: a pole saw, two weed trimmers and a knapsack blower, all Stihl brand.

Saying his landscaping business was the Island’s exclusive dealer for Stihl, Mr Sousa called for residents to look out for the distinctive machines. The theft put him back $4,000 to $5,000.

“Bermuda is 13,440 acres so it’s definitely worth a shot — it’s either somebody who wants to be a landscaper, or it’s a junky who will look to sell it just to get a fix.”

He added: “What really irritates me is the Sousa family is very giving, on an almost daily basis.

“Today we donated plants for the race weekend. It’s hurtful when this takes place.”

Mr Sousa asked for anyone approached with the equipment, which was purchased at Sousa’s Gardens, to contact jeff@slm.bm.