Thousands of Euros in equipment stolen from Bonmahon Tidy Towns
The Bunmahon Tidy Towns group does a lot of great work.
Thousands of euros worth of equipment was stolen from a container owned by the Bonmahon Tidy Towns group.
The theft is believed to have happened on Monday, November 25, 2024.
Chairman Cathal Queally told the Waterford News and Star that the equipment stolen was worth between €4,000-€8000.
Gloves, litter picks and high-vis jackets, tools and a wheelbarrow were among the items taken.
Mr Queally said the group felt “violated” by the incident.
“They took everything but the lawnmower,” said Mr Queally.
Mr Queally said while they have reported the incident to An Garda Siochana they wanted their story to serve as a warning to other groups and residents who do not have cameras around their property.
The equipment stolen was purchased with money raised as part of the group's fundraising efforts.
Fundraising is the main source of income for the group.
Mr Queally said state support is very low, and this theft has done damage to the group's finances.
He also said that he has heard about similar incidents in the area and urges other Tidy Towns groups to keep a careful eye on their equipment.
As reported on WLR FM, a similar incident took place in Stradbally in July with the Tidy Towns group there at the loss of all of their equipment.
Mr Queally would like to appeal to anyone who any information to come forward.
He also asks that if anyone has any garden equipment that they do not use, if they would consider donating it to the Bonmahon Tidy Towns group.
In particular, they are asking for grass strimmers and leaf blowers.
“If anyone would like to make a donation or donate any items sitting in the garden shed unused, we will happily take donations,” said Mr Queally.
He also said Oakwood Tree Care has offered their assistance, which Mr Queally is greatly appreciative of.
