CCTV costs for scouts as thieves strike
HEARTLESS thieves have created a climate of fear and forced the cancellation of a planned camp out by 1st Shottery Scout Group after a break-in at the scout hut in Stratford last Sunday night.
Ongoing concerns about drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in bushes next to Summerton Way and behind the scout hut off Albany Road have been voiced by scout leaders and residents for some time but Sunday was the final straw after thieves climbed over a fence, smashed their way into the scout hut, stole £500 worth of radios and “ransacked the place” – according to Emma Haslam, group chair of 1st Shottery Scout Group.
“At 11pm on Sunday the thieves smashed a kitchen window setting off the alarm system,” Emma said. “They broke in and stole radios which the scouts use to talk to each other at exhibitions or during group activities. Now we’re going to have to spend money to up the security with CCTV and we’ll have to think about what we do next. It’s all a bit a bit sad really because it’s put a bit of fear into people.”
A planned camp out on a green lawn next to the scout hut has been postponed following Sunday’s break-in. It was meant to be a time for youngsters to learn about scouting traditions, appreciate nature and work together but that’s now been shelved while the scout group take stock of what they need to do to improve security. Despite this senseless set back, the scout leaders remain committed to getting things back on track as soon as possible.
“The police were brilliant,” said Emma. “We’ve raised the issue about people hanging around in bushes in Summerton Way and that might be nothing to do with Sunday’s break-in, but you do want to feel safe.”
A Warwickshire Police posting reads:
“On Monday evening, we received a report of a break in at the Scout Hut on Albany Road. Suspects have climbed the scout hut’s fence and forced entry through the kitchen window using a shovel which was in shed belonging to the scout group.
The suspect has taken four radios to the value of £500 and left the scout hut. When officers have attended it appears that suspects have tried to force entry to various cupboards within the hut but have been unsuccessful. Officers have given security advice about installing CCTV on the hut.”
