How low can they sink? This is how thieves left a charity van full of children's play equipment in Milton Keynes
A charity devoted to letting children play is reeling after a double whammy from callous crooks.
The Citizen reported last week how thieves forced their way into a locked compound where the Milton Keynes Play Assocation van was parked and loaded full of costly equipment ready for the next play session.
They broke into the van and drove it away after dark, complete with £10,000 worth of equipment in the back – equipment that had kept 13,000 youngsters entertained all over MK during the summer holidays..
Forced to cancel their scheduled play sessions for that week, the charity hoped in vain that the crooks, when they realised the story behind the van, would have the heart to return the distinctive items such as the giant bouncy castle, obstacle course and construction toys.
Instead they were dealt another blow. The van was this week found abandoned in a field – totally empty and stripped of all sellable parts.
“The doors, engine, bonnet and various other parts have been removed, and all of the play equipment stored inside the vehicle have been taken,” said an MKPA spokesperson.
A fundraising page has been launched in a bid to recover some of the costs, so far £2,148 has been raised.
You can view the page here.
Meanwhile, police have recovered the van and are currently carrying out forensic examinations as part of their investigation.
Despite the setbacks, MKPA is still committed to providing play opportunities, support and enjoyment for children and families across Milton Keynes.
The spokesperson said: “We are determined to move forward and would like to thank everyone who has stood alongside us during this difficult time.
“As many people will know, the summer holidays are our busiest and most important period of the year, with play sessions taking place across Milton Keynes and surrounding areas every day.
"While this loss has been significant, our team worked incredibly hard to minimise disruption and ensure children and families could continue accessing our services wherever possible. “We are determined to move forward and would like to thank everyone who has stood alongside us during this difficult time.”