Thieves steal statue from tragic child's memorial garden

HEARTLESS thieves have stolen a treasured stone statue from the memorial garden of a two-year-old boy in Skelmersdale.
Staff at the Branching Out Nursery, Birch Green Road arrived at work on the morning of Monday, September 14 to discover the tractor-shaped planter was missing.
The £200 ornament took pride of place in a garden created in memory of Harry, a young boy who attended the nursery and died suddenly almost two years ago.
The statue has great sentimental value and was funded by donations from family and friends following his death.
Employees at the nursery, based at St John’s Children’s Centre, are now appealing for its safe return.
“The timing of this theft is particularly cruel, as it is almost the two-year anniversary on Harry’s sudden death.
“We just want the tractor back, and would ask for its safe return – no questions asked.”
The stone tractor and trailer were last seen in the garden on Friday, September 11. It is believed that the theft is the work of more than one person, given the shape and weight of the statue.
A spokesperson for Skelmersdale Police said: “We are investigating an incident at St John’s Children’s Centre on Birch Green Road following the report of a theft of a stone tractor and trailer garden ornament from the play area.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Skelmersdale Police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

(Reproduced from Ormskirk & Skelmersdale Advertiser, 24th Sept)

GARDIEN TIP: There are methods available to minimse the risk of theft of outdoor items and to maximise the possibilty of return to the rightful owner. See the advice at http://www.garden-security.co.uk/retrieval.aspx?sec=pm