GB GIRLS LEFT STRANDED BY THEFT OF CAMPING GEAR
...and couple lose thousands of pounds of wedding gifts after burglary at new home
by MARY MAGEE
AN OFFICER in a Lisburn Girl's Brigade company has made a heartfelt
appeal for burglars who stole camping equipment from her new home to return
it. Laura Wilson said that as a result of the break-in at the house off the
Glenavy Road at the weekend, 20 girls from the Elmwood Presbyterian Church
GB may have to postpone their plans to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh
expedition.
£250 worth of tents and camping equipment were taken as well as walking poles, and outdoor gear after the thieves broke into the newly constructed house at Pentworth Green.
Laura and her husband James have also suffered a devastating loss with up to £10,000 worth of their possessions - many of them wedding gifts, including Louise Kennedy crystal, a Wii, laptop, IT equipment clothes and a washing machine - also stolen.
It is believed the burglars broke into the new house in an attempt to steal the kitchen which has yet to be installed. They forced open the patio doors and garage door and rummaged through the 50 boxes which had just been left in the house for storage. Builders discovered the break-in early on Monday and contacted the couple. Laura said she has been deeply upset by the break in. The couple have been staying with relatives and had planned to move into their new home in the next four weeks.
"This means that 20 girls this year probably won't be able to do their expeditions," said Laura. "We've also had a lot of valuables stolen including wedding presents still in their boxes and expensive electrical / IT equipment which is annoying.
"However, what is more upsetting is the fact the girls may have to postpone their Duke of Edinburgh challenge. We could try and borrow some equipment but it may mean that we may not get enough on loan and some of the girls will still be disappointed. We are obviously annoyed about our stuff but it would mean a lot to us if we got the camping equipment back."
Ulster Star
20/11/2009
