Offenders had cut through a metal barrier with heavy duty bolt cutters to gain access to Ringwood Park, Hollingwood, some time overnight last Thursday.

They melted two bins at the top of the site to strip and steal the copper – an increasingly valuable commodity.

The damage was discovered on Friday morning by Sav Devegori, chairman of Ringwood Park Fishing Club.

He said: "The plastic had run across the grass, it was a state. There were bins in the car park they could have used but they cut through the gate and went to the top of the park where it's quiet.

"It looks like a set-up job and if they're going to do it in this park, they could do the same in other parks."

Mr Devegori, who visits Ringwood Park three or four times a week to clear up litter, reported the incident to owners Chesterfield Borough Council.

He added: "The park should have some sort of security – somebody walking around at night, either a warden or a police officer."

A spokesman for Chesterfield Borough Council said there were no plans for additional security at Ringwood Park.

She said the council would replace the bins and repair the barrier at a cost of £1,000.

The incident was reported to the police, who are appealing for anyone with information to contact them on 0845 123 3333 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.