Would-be thieves were forced to abandon their attempt to steal a boiler from outside a house in Hartpury when it tipped on its side and started spurting hot water.
Police are appealing for information about the attempted theft, which happened on Gloucester Road between 6.30pm and 7.20pm on Friday (March 1).
Unknown offenders cut the wire and pipes running outside a cottage to a Worcester oil fired combi boiler, worth several thousand pounds, before pulling the boiler from its concrete base.
It then tipped over, spraying large amounts of boiling water and causing the thieves to leave it and make off.
Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area or with any information about this crime should call 101, quoting incident 437 of March 1.
Alternatively information can also be given anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org. In some cases Crimestoppers offer rewards of up to £1000 where information leads to a conviction.