A countess has blasted 'little twerps' for stealing 20 cannonballs from her garden just months after she caught a burglar in the home.
Lady Sara Bathurst, 55, said she was 'not amused' by the bizarre theft at her Cirencester Park mansion in the Cotswolds.
The aristocrat has described how her ‘sense of safety’ has been affected by the crime.
However, the former High Sheriff of Gloucestershire did acknowledge that the ‘cannonballs can be replaced’.
She tweeted: “Some little twerp(s) nicked our (20) cannonballs from our private garden.
“I’m understandably not amused. It’s not only theft, but a violation of our privacy and security.
"Cannonballs can be replaced, ones sense of safety cannot. If anyone knows anything, do get in touch? Thanks."
Gloucestershire Constabulary's rural crime squad also appealed for information.
The team's Twitter account tweeted: "A load of balls. Have you been offered any? Cannon balls stolen from the Cotswolds. Call 101 with any info to PC Weller."
Lady Bathurst later confirmed that officers had not attended the scene after suggestions she was receiving privileged treatment from the police.
She added: "They (the police) have been extremely kind. They treat everyone the same.
"I suspect we won’t get them back and I hope not too much time is spent on it.
"Resources are stretched enough as it is. There are far more serious crimes being committed.
"We’ve reported it, the ears will no doubt be kept close to the ground. The best anyone can do."
It comes just months after she grabbed a burglar by the collar after she found him cowering behind a curtain in her home.
Thomas Trickey, then 20, was arrested after Lady Bathurst dragged him into the kitchen and waited for the police.
