UPDATED: VOLUNTEERS left heartbroken by mindless acts of vandalism at Longbarn Park in Warrington have been dealt a second hammer blow after raiders stole gardening equipment worth over £12,000 from lockup containers over the weekend.
The break-in came on the back of local police last week, launching an investigation into mindless acts of vandalism involving newly planted trees and flower beds being vandalised.
The park is run, maintained and funded by volunteers who work tirelessly to make it one of the best in Warrington.
A spokesperson from Friends of Longbarn Park took to social media to announce the latest incident stating; ” You won’t see us doing any work on the park for the foreseeable future.
“We thought the recent vandalism was bad enough until we turned up this morning to find that the containers had been broken into, the locks taken and all of our equipment had been stolen.
“Sit-on mowers, push mowers, strimmers, hedge trimmers, chain saw, leaf blower and a box of tools all gone.
“If you know or hear anything about this, please let us or the police know.
“This is our tenth year, but we cannot afford to replace this equipment to continue maintaining the park.”
Anyone with information can contact the volunteers via their Facebook page.
Local Police have also launched an appeal for information.
A spokesperson said: “In the late ours of Sunday 08/09 evening and early hours of Monday 09/09 morning believed to be between 23:15 and 02:00 over £12,000 worth of equipment was stolen from the lock ups on Longbarn Park, Fearnhead, Warrington.
“Items stolen were 2 ride on mowers, 2 hand push petrol mowers, several strimmer’s, tools and many other items.
“This park is run by volunteers and the theft has had a huge impact on their continued running of one of the best run parks in Warrington.
“If you live in the area, please check your CCTV for these times and if you have any further information please contact the Police via 101 quoting IML1914287.”
