- Large amount of cash taken
- Significant damage to the charity’s offices and equipment
- Police appealing for knowledge or information to help track down those responsible
Between the hours of 9.30pm on Monday 6 November and 6.30am on Tuesday 7 November, vandals broke in to the premises of Remus Horse Sanctuary at Little Farm, Buttsbury, near Ingatestone stealing over £1000 in cash and creating significant damage to the charity’s offices and equipment, which will require thousands of pounds to repair and rebuild.
The thieves gained access to the farm and offices by breaking padlocks and breaking down security gates and smashing doors and cupboards in order to ransack the offices and steal the cash. An attempt was also made to steal the ATV (all-terrain vehicle) although it was left abandoned half way down the fields.
The police were called immediately the break-in was detected and have confirmed that the thieves managed to avoid the CCTV cameras and wore gloves. Anyone with knowledge or information of the break-in or the people involved should contact the Police quoting Crime Reference Number 42/158124/17.
Sue Burton, founder of the Sanctuary commented, “Its been a hard day today [Tuesday] trying to come to terms with the reality of the break-in and the financial implications to us when we are already strapped for cash and going into the hard winter months.
“A large amount of cash was taken as well as causing a significant amount of damage to property which is going to cost thousands of pounds to replace. We will also have to look at increasing security on site which will have a cost too.
“The mission of the Sanctuary is to rescue neglected or abused animals and be able to keep them safe for the rest of their lives and the thought that someone may threaten this is horrendous. We’re very lucky that all of the animals were left untouched and unharmed, and I feel so relieved that they are all safe.”
Sue is keen to thank those who have sent messages of support and would like to hear from anyone who can help with repairs and security or fundraising on tel: 01277 356191. Donations can be made online via the website or by cheque made out to Remus Horse Sanctuary, Little Farm, Buttsbury, near Ingatestone, Essex CM4 9NZ. The charity has also set up an appeal on their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/RemusHorseSanctuary.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.