Police forces listed items lost between 2011-16 after the BBC submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Staffordshire Police admitted losing track of a cannabis plant and some cigars, while Warwickshire Police lost a first aid kit, CS spray, a police force flag, clothing, and around £113,000 in cash.

But among the most audacious thefts were emergency vehicles, dustbins and horses taken from West Mercia Police.

The horses were rounded up by police after being found loose on a Shropshire road and were being held by a third party on behalf of police when they were stolen.