Social Link based out of Wycombe Arts Centre in Desborough Road was victim to a theft on Thursday, March 2, where they lost all of their gardening equipment in a break-in.
The equipment, including two petrol mowers, petrol strimmer, battery strimmer, battery leaf blower, spare batteries, charger, loppers, ladder and all hand tools, were stored in a secure shed behind padlocked gates.
The value of the equipment is nearly £2,000.
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Victoria Fallon, Chief Operating Officer at Social Link, said: “What is so shocking is that they even took our high vis work jackets and steel toe-cap boots.
“Some of the kit was brand new so we are wondering if somebody was watching – but that is only us making assumptions and cannot prove that at all.”
Members of the charity are adults with learning disabilities who undertake gardening projects in the community in order to learn valuable skills for potential future employment as well as boost their confidence.
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The theft has now meant that they are unable to undertake these community tasks!
Karen Atkins, a member of the Social Link Team, said: “We have been left heartbroken. Who would steal from vulnerable adults?
“We are still in shock and trying to figure out how we can keep our members gardening in the absence of all our tools.”
Another local charity, Workaid, has been quick to step in and hopes to donate some basic gardening tools.
Wendy Dunn, Social Link CEO, was keen to express her thanks and appreciation to the team at Workaid for their swift response.
Thames Valley Police have been notified of the incident.