'What is the world coming to?' Children's farm suffers shocking break-in

The owners of a children’s farm in Tattershall have spoken of their anger and sadness after they were targeted by thieves.
By Rachel Armitage
Published 9th Aug 2022, 08:58 BST
Updated 9th Aug 2022, 10:01 BST
Simon Ashley, Tattershall Farm Park manager at the site of the break-in.Simon Ashley, Tattershall Farm Park manager at the site of the break-in.
Simon Ashley, Tattershall Farm Park manager at the site of the break-in.

In the early hours of Monday morning (August 8), offenders gained access to Tattershall Farm Park by cutting a hole in the perimeter fence and stole one of their quad bikes, as well as a number of expensive tools worth around £20,000.

It is thought that the offenders used one of the park’s barrel trains to transport the tools off site, and these were then left discarded at the end of nearby Marsh Lane which were discovered by a dog walker this morning.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Just some of the Makita-branded tools stolen by the offenders include a circular saw, a chainsaw, two Jerry cans full of fuel, a leaf blower and hoover, spanners, hedge cutters and more, as well as the farm’s quad bike.

Most Popular
The barrell trains stolen from Tattershall farm park dumped.The barrell trains stolen from Tattershall farm park dumped.
The barrell trains stolen from Tattershall farm park dumped.

This has meant that the team cannot carry out essential maintenance work around the farm and work on the new Parrot Pen has had to be paused as they have no drills, screwdrivers, saws or laser level.

Marie Morrell owns the park with her husband James, said they were grateful at least that no-one was hurt during the incident, and that other neighbouring farms were not targeted at the same time.

She said: “We’re a kids place trying to provide something nice for the community and it’s horrible that this has happened – it’s just rubbish – what kind of person does something like this?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We’re just hoping our insurance will cover the damage, and we’re worried that having this hole in the fence leaves us vulnerable and they’ll come back.

Amber Morrell with the quad bike stolen from Tattershall farm park.Amber Morrell with the quad bike stolen from Tattershall farm park.
Amber Morrell with the quad bike stolen from Tattershall farm park.

"What is the world coming to?”

Marie has said that they have had a lot of supportive comments from members of the public, and that someone had even set up a GoFundMe page for them – but they don’t want people to donate money, but show their support by visiting them:

"We don’t want people spending their money as time are hard enough, but we’d love it if people came to support us by voting with their feet – coming out to see us and if they’ve had a visit and enjoyed it, to leave a positive review.

"More than that, if anyone has any information, or if anyone tries to sell our tools to them to please tell the police.”A spokesman for Lincolnshire Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and officers are currently following various lines of enquiry.

If anyone has any information relating to this incident, please call police on 101, quoting Incident 86 of 8 August, referring to crime number 2200458536.