A collector of rare science fiction memorabilia is mourning the loss of his life's work after thieves stole thousands of pounds worth of Star Wars and Power Rangers figures from a Kingston garage.

Thieves broke into the garage in Washington Road at 3.30pm on Tuesday, February 20, and took a host of things to bring a tear to the eye of any boy who grew up in the 1970s and 80s.

Boxes full of Star Wars figures, both the 12 inch and smaller ones, still in their original packaging, were stolen, as were four incredibly rare, three foot tall Power Rangers figures. Everything was in mint condition.

Collector Gary, 38, who did not wish to use his full name, said they were uninsured. He said: "I'm extremely gutted, it was at least £8,000 worth. I have been collecting since I was a boy but properly since I was 16 or 17.

"The Power Rangers figures were extremely rare. Even when they came out they were not in many shops, only ones like Hamleys and Harrods and even then they were hard to get hold of. About seven years ago they were worth about £350, so they are worth a lot more now."

Gary holds little hope of seeing most of his things again, but hopes a dealer or kindly stranger will see his rare toys and call the police.

He has already begun searching auction websites, specialist shops and markets for something he recognises as his own.

About 90 per cent of the stolen goods were Star Wars figures, including a complete set of 12 inch characters and many smaller figures in their sealed boxes and in mint condition. In an ever-growing memorabilia market, these figures can be worth anything from £5 to over £100.

Also stolen were Dr Who figures and Babylon 5 figures, of which only 750 were made worldwide.

Gary added: "Fortunately they did not get everything. They put the padlock back on the garage so to the passer-by nothing would have looked amiss. I think they were planning to come back for more.

"I kept the stuff in the garage because I had so much of it."

He said he would be keeping a keen eye on the market to track down the thieves. "It's the unusual bits I will know when I see them and a few are packaged together," he said.

Anyone who sees three foot Power Rangers, boxed Star Wars memorabilia or anything suspicious call Detective Constable Rachel Porter on 020 8247 4945.