OWNERS of a charity farm have been left feeling “disheartened” after thieves targeted their farm.
Good Hope Farm, near Hamstead Marshall, was broken into on Monday, September 19, with thieves stealing a log stove from a shed on the property.
Farm owner Karine Giannamore said that this is not the first time that the farm has been broken into, with two prior break-ins occurring earlier in the year.
The first break in took place during The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend in June, with money, a first aid kit and other assorted items being stolen, also from the shed.
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Another break-in occurred a few months later, with the thieves stealing the battery of the farm's ride-on lawn mower.
Karine estimates that the break-ins have cost the farm around £900.
She said: “When you add on everything, fitting the door, all the little bits.
“The first aid kit was £80, and we had a whole set of new gloves, it’s little things like that, it all comes to £800, £900.”
Karine added: “It’s very discouraging really, because this is the third time this has happened.
“The shed is already quite wobbly, it’s a restored shed, so it’s the third time it’s been broken into and it’s taking a toll on the door.
“And it’s discouraging because it’s hard work and it is a project that we do for the community and it’s a charity and there are no profits.
“So, it just feels disheartening really.”
A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “Thames Valley Police have received a number of theft reports that have occurred at Good Hope Farm, near Hampstead Marshall.
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“The most recent of these, on Monday 19 September, saw a log stove stolen.
“Thames Valley Police’s Rural Crime Task Force is investigating this offence, along with previous incidents, and anybody with any information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 43220432765 or make a report online via our website.”
Good Hope Farm is a therapeutic day centre for adults with learning disabilities, with a focus on organic farm work.
The farm assesses the needs of each individual in order to establish a tailored plan of work for each day, with activities chosen to give a sense of achievement and empowerment.
More information about Good Hope Farm can be found on its website goodhopefarm.org.uk.
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