Spilsby youth completes community work after Remembrance postbox topper theft
Police supervised teenager carrying out litter-pick on Remembrance Sunday
One of the youths responsible for taking and damaging a Remembrance Day display in Spilsby has completed community work, supervised by police.
As reported last month, there was uproar in the town after two youths were caught on CCTV taking a crocheted postbox topper featuring a Lancaster plane and a cascade of poppies. The artwork was later found partially burnt in woodland.
With the intervention of parents and the town council, the two youths involved later apologised to the local woman who made the topper, with one parent offering for her son to complete work in the community to make up for his actions.
Coun Ellie Marsh, East Lindsey District Councillor for Spilsby told the Standard this was a form of ‘restorative justice’ brought about by the community working together - “showing that it doesn’t always have to be about criminalising young people.”
Now Lincolnshire Police have shared their involvement in ensuring that restorative justice was carried out.
“We were recently informed of the theft of a knitted post box topper in Spilsby,” a force spokesperson explained.
“The topper, a Lancaster Bomber decorated with poppies, had been lovingly created to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country.
“As this formed part of an ongoing investigation, we have been unable to comment until now.
“Working closely with the creator and the child responsible, an appropriate out of court outcome was agreed through a community resolution.
“On Remembrance Sunday, Police supervised the child litter-picking in the local area as a form of community reparation, giving him an opportunity to reflect on his actions and the significance of the item he had taken.
“The resolution was carried out with the consent of the victim and aims to provide accountability, repair harm caused to the community, and encourage positive future behaviour. We are glad to report that the topper was repaired and back on display in time for Remembrance Sunday.”