Mean thieves steal from Westleigh honesty box

A WESTLEIGH resident who put up CCTV cameras in a bid to identify thieves who stole from an honesty box outside his home has had the cameras vandalised. The rural smallholding property was first targeted in June this year when money and produce was report

A WESTLEIGH resident who put up CCTV cameras in a bid to identify thieves who stole from an honesty box outside his home has had the cameras vandalised.

The rural smallholding property was first targeted in June this year when money and produce was reported stolen.

Police said the man selling the goods had experienced significant health problems brought on by the stress of the incidents, and had recently suffered a stroke that has affected his ability to grow and produce his garden goods.

Officers believe that the offender or offenders are using a car to visit the remote area and may live close by or have friends or relatives that live in the area.

PC Terry Hodgson, neighbourhood beat manager for the Westleigh area, said: "I am disgusted that someone could steal money from an honesty box and destroy all this man's hard work which they are obviously aware is greatly affecting the residents.

"We are currently considering a number of options in an attempt to identify those responsible and would ask anyone with information to consider the effect this has had on the owner, who has had his peace of mind shattered in what is normally a very quiet area.

"I am appealing for anyone who has knowledge to contact me and this information can be treated in confidence."

Police ask anyone with any information to contact them on 08452 777444 quoting police reference CB/10/2628.