Shock and Anger at Theft of Equipment
The Prospects Trust was the victim of a targeted and merciless break-in last
week. The small charity and social enterprise has been providing farming &
gardening work experience for people with learning difficulties for over 20
years at Snakehall Farm in Reach, Cambridgeshire. Between Wednesday 7th and
Thursday 8th April, thieves raided the farm of invaluable farm and gardening
equipment.
The crime has shocked all connected to the Prospects Trust and has caused upset and concern for the co-workers attending Snakehall Farm on daily work placements. The garden team has been most affected with over £1,600 worth of vital equipment being stolen, including two Hayter push mowers, a Stihl strimmer and hedge cutter.Will Hubbard, Garden Team Co-Manager said "I cannot believe the ruthlessness of these thieves, targeting a small charity has to be the lowest of the low. My garden team has been really affected as we rely upon these tools to provide a gardening service to local homes and businesses. The work we do not only supports our co-workers in developing skills and confidence but also brings in a modest income stream to support the work of the Prospects Trust" .
Marianne Baker, Development Officer said "The items stolen were only recently purchased through a grant from the Big Lottery. The bid took over 2 years in the planning and development and it was such a boon to Prospects Trust when we received the grant to buy new much needed equipment. The Trust is very small and runs very hand to mouth; the loss of this equipment at the beginning of the growing season has negatively affected us all. We are used to challenges but this theft has left us all downhearted" .
The thieves also damaged external farm gates, bolts, van locks and drained the fuel in their quest to bag their ill gotten booty, wreaking havoc to daily operations at the farm site. The crime was reported quickly to the police but the Prospects Trust has resigned itself to the fact that the items will not be recovered.