The incident occurred at approximately 10:00 PM on Sunday, August 27th, 2023. The stolen tools included a variety of items, such as power tools, hand tools, and other equipment. The estimated value of the stolen goods is in the thousands of pounds.
The park is now closed until further notice. The park is a vital community resource, providing a safe and enjoyable space for families to play, exercise, and relax. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and rabbits. The theft of the equipment has left the community in a state of shock and dismay.
“Please, if you are able to donate, any help is appreciated. Thank you.” This generosity has been gratefully received by the volunteer group, which said: “Thank you to all the people who have been donating to the GoFundMe page. “After feeling distraught on Monday morning, it is giving us the incentive to carry on.” One resident commented: “We are behind you 100 per cent. You do such an amazing job. Thank you all.” Another added: “The park has never looked so good these last 10 years. Absolutely brilliant work you do.” Appealing for information after the burglary, Friends of Longbarn Park said: “You won’t see us doing any work on the park for the foreseeable future.
“We thought the recent vandalism was bad enough, until we turned up to find that the containers had been broken into, the locks taken and all of our equipment had been stolen. “If you know or hear anything about this, please let us or the police know. “This is our tenth year, but we cannot afford to replace this equipment to continue maintaining the park. “From CCTV footage, we have narrowed the time down to between 11pm and midnight on Sunday. They were definitely taking the equipment towards the Nook Lane entrance. “If anyone can check their doorbell cameras or CCTV between those times, we would be grateful.”
Cheshire Police said: “This park is run by volunteers, and the theft has had a huge impact on their continued running of one of the best-run parks in Warrington. “If you live in the area, please check your CCTV for these times, and if you have any further information, please call the police on 101, quoting IML1914287.”