Norwich animal sanctuary is hit by six thefts in six months
The Little Tinkers Horse Sanctuary have been broken into and vandalised for the 7th time in as many months. Thieves stole hay bags, medicine and even took coats from the horses in the fields before vandalising the sheds. Sanctuary owner Julie Bassett with Annie one of her oldest horses who had the coat stolen from her back. - Credit: Eastern Daily Press © 2016
Little Tinkers Sanctuary is a haven for old and sick donkeys and horses.
The Little Tinkers Horse Sanctuary have been broken into and vandalised for the 7th time in as many months. Thieves stole hay bags, medicine and even took coats from the horses in the fields before vandalising the sheds.Pictured is CSI Tamarin Howard. - Credit: Eastern Daily Press © 2016
But in the last six months, it has experienced six thefts – with the culprits even stripping ponies of their rugs.
On Friday, the sanctuary in Bluebell Road, Norwich, was targeted again and this time thieves have caused thousands of pounds' worth of damage,
Julie Bassett, 49, set up Little Tinkers Sanctuary 15 years ago, as a home for animals that would otherwise have been put down.
She said: 'They have smashed up the food room and sheds and got the medicine cabinet off the wall. They have taken all of our equipment and just smashed everything. We look after poorly ponies that need the medicine.'
The Little Tinkers Horse Sanctuary have been broken into and vandalised for the 7th time in as many months. Thieves stole hay bags, medicine and even took coats from the horses in the fields before vandalising the sheds. Sanctuary owner Julie Bassett. - Credit: Eastern Daily Press © 2016
Police are investigating the thefts and a crime scene investigation team was at the sanctuary yesterday.
She added: 'On December 30 they took the rug off a sweet little pony's back, Annie is 33 years old and has arthritis, I don't know what goes on in people's minds. If anyone desperately needed a rug I would give them one.
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'It began in one of our back fields, so I put a note up on the gate saying that we knew what was happening.
'I don't know, maybe someone took offence to it.'
Local residents have been donating items to help and a donation page raised £795 in 19 hours.
To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/hdcba3jw
Do you have a news story? Email jemma.walker@archant.co.uk
