Trust suffers £50,000 equipment theft

8 October 2024

Overnight on Wednesday 2 October, our maintenance building was broken into, with thieves stealing power tools and vehicles worth many tens of thousands of pounds.

The maintenance building is one of several on our Minstead Lodge site, including the main Lodge building which is used as offices and a wedding venue, and another building that is accommodation for people we support.

Items taken included chainsaws, tools, chargers and lawnmowers. It also included our crew cab, which is used constantly by our maintenance team and supported gardening team at Furzey Gardens.

This seems to have been a reasonably professional job, which was well-informed and planned. The police are now involved and working with us to investigate this crime.

We will be reviewing our security on site and talking to insurers to cover some of the cost of the items lost.

We would be hugely grateful to anyone who could contribute to our costs, they can do so by giving at www.minsteadtrust.org.uk/donate

Update 14 October

We have received support from over 350 people and businesses after we suffered significant losses in last week’s burglary.

It total, more than £35,000 has been gifted to Minstead Trust, helping us to cover some of the large shortfall we are facing after more than £50,000 of equipment was stolen.

As well as monetary gifts, there have also been dozens of equipment offers from individuals, as well donations and discounts from local businesses.

Businesses who have supported so far include Forward Securities Ltd, who have donated new CCTV for the site. B&Q have also made a significant contribution of tools to cover some of those lost.

Increased and updated security has already been installed at Minstead Lodge, the Trust’s headquarters.

Adam Dodd, Minstead Trust Chief Executive, said: ‘The response from our local community to this shocking theft has been hugely uplifting. We are so thankful to everyone who has helped us in this difficult time.

‘We have been overwhelmed by the gifts and messages of support we have received from hundreds of people over the last week.

‘This was an unsettling and upsetting incident for the people we support, so for them to then see how much people value their work and place in society is very special.

‘It is evidence of the special community that surrounds Minstead Trust, all working together to break down the barriers in society that stop people with learning disabilities thriving.’