River Bourne Community Farm burgled for third time in one year

The youth, who was wearing a distinctive camouflage hoodie with a white Adidas logo on the back, gained entry to River Bourne Community Farm at around 5am on Sunday, June 30.

CCTV footage captured the burglar stealing a wheelbarrow, three yellow plastic fuel cans, a red plastic carrier bag, a mesh bin and an empty safe from the farm's office.

All of the animals were safe and uninjured.

Money is no longer left on the site following a string of criminal activity which the farm was subjected to last year.

River Bourne Community Farm was broken into on Sunday, June 30. (Image: River Bourne Community Farm)

Staff were left "heartbroken" last August when a burglars broke into a charity box and stole donations which the farm relies on to buy food for animals.

Just four months later, on December 16, two intruders stormed the farm and tried to steal an all-terrain vehicle but failed to start it without keys.

Read more: River Bourne Community Farm targeted by would-be thieves

Sara-Jane Hancock, education and marketing manager at River Bourne Community Farm, said: “Yet again, we have been broken into. He did try and steal odd tools, some fuel cans, (and an empty safe) from us and the water meadows trust across the lane (who were also broken into), but was on foot so couldn’t carry it all. 

"We found where he’d stashed stuff he was going to return for, so actually he only got away with an empty safe and a few bits. Nothing valuable at all."

Manager Sara-Jane Hancock is frustrated about the break-in. (Image: Newsquest)

While nothing of value was taken, the "really annoying part" of the break-in was that the burglar caused over £1k worth of damage which staff spent the whole week repairing.

"We’re just frustrated that, yet again, the farm has been targeted," added Sara-Jane.

River Bourne Community Farm is offering a reward for anyone who comes forward with information that leads to an arrest.

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: "We are investigating a report of a burglary at River Bourne Community Farm which occurred between 3pm on June 29 and 7.30am on June 30.

"Damage was caused to window shutters and keys to various vehicles were stolen.

"Anyone with information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54240076465.

"Alternatively, call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."