THIS is the massive crane a petty thief from Winchester risked his life climbing, not once but twice - to steal goods worth less than £30.

The 70ft tower crane on the Sarum Road has been put in place by Cove Construction Ltd as they build 14 new flats on the site of the former King Alfred's College accommodation blocks at Chilbolton Court.

However, in the last couple of weeks a thief has twice made it the 60ft distance to the operators cabin near the top of the tower - only to steal a heater one time and a battery-powered radio the second.

The crane has been in place for several weeks now with the first reported theft taking place on Saturday May 25 and the second almost a month later on Monday June 16.

Site manager Bob Stonard, said: "It is a very dangerous thing to do.

"Building sites, particularly where there are tower cranes, are extremely dangerous places and not playgrounds.

"Climbing to the top of the tower to steal was a foolish idea that could have resulted in a death.

"Thankfully it didn't."

A spokesman for the police, added: "It's an unusual crime, but a highly stupid one.

"As the site manager said, construction sites can be incredibly dangerous places, and climbing that height, late at night when there's no one around was an extremely dangerous thing to do. Let's hope the person responsible realises that it is a bad idea and doesn't do it again."

Cove Construction says the tower crane is due to be removed today.