A CHILD’S ride was smashed open and a collection tin plundered by “mindless” thieves who have raided a popular farm shop twice in the past week.
Graham and Caroline Adams, who run Lockey Farm in Sindlesham Road, have been left devastated after thieves broke in on Sunday night and again on Wednesday night.
Graham said: “It’s very worrying, we live on-site so we are worried about how far these people will go, are they going to come back and break into the house?”
On Sunday night the thieves stole money from a collection box outside the farm’s play area, which is open to members of the public to enjoy with their children, as well as taking toys and sweets.
On Wednesday night they struck again, this time smashing open a child’s ride-on toy and taking the money from inside.
Graham said: “They’ve probably taken around £300 to £400 worth. They’ve taken pocket money toys that we had for sale and toys that we put out for children to use, they stole pick and mix, would you believe?
“For the value of what they have taken, these people have caused a lot more damage and inconvenience to us.”
The couple are now having to fork out hundreds of pounds installing floodlights and extra security cameras on the site.
Graham added: “This happened to us six months ago so we beefed up security, but we’re having to install more cameras which will probably cost about £1,000.
“It really makes you think, we open up the farm for people to come and enjoy it, and then a small minority do something like this. It just really spoils it for everyone and makes us rethink what we are doing here.
“I don’t believe it to be the work of career criminals, these are just mindless thieves.”
The collection box which was stolen in Sunday’s robbery contained donations which families make in return for using the play area.
Graham said: “When this happened before the support of the local community was just phenomenal, we had lots of messages of support from people who love to visit the farm with their children.
“There could have been £50 in the box or £100, we just don’t know. We open the play area free of charge, but ask for a donation to go towards to upkeep of the area.
“It’s gutting really, we love opening the farm to the public but when something like this happens it really gets you down.”
