Charity trailer stolen

Feb 6 2009 by Laurie Stocks-Moore, Chester Chronicle

Charity trailer stolen

HEARTLESS thieves stole a £2,000 charity fundraising trailer from a councillor’s drive.

The callous offenders struck at the home of Mickle Trafford councillor Les Bartley last Wednesday night

Mickle Trafford parish councillor Les Bartley lives on the A56 on the outskirts of the village.

As an active member of the Lions Club, for the last few weeks Les allowed his premises to be used to store their fundraising display trailer.

The trailer, resembling a small windowless caravan, is twin - axled and has drop down sides, it is all white, in good condition and covered in Lions Club logos.

Cllr Bartley said: “It was there when I left for a Lions Club meeting at 7pm and wasn’t there when I got back at 11.45pm. It was a display caravan we used at the fetes and functions we have. It was six feet from the door in a neighbourhood watch area and nobody saw anything.

“We’ll miss it badly and we could do with it back.

“I think it’s been stolen to order. there’s not too many about like that. We’d only moved it out to do a repair job on it on Sunday morning.”

The van, which had travelled with the club to Eisteddfod, was loaded with a television, music equipment and speakers when it was stolen.

PC Mal Baker said: “As this trailer is identified clearly, as an item used and funded by a charity then it makes it a pretty mean theft and we are asking that you keep your eyes open for it, should it be stored or being used in the locality.

“I am informed that the tow bar was locked and immobilised so this is another reminder that you must double your efforts to secure such items and add as many anti-theft devices as possible, even take the wheels off.” Anyone with information should call police on 0845 4586394.