Massive Christmas tree theft at garden centre

Nov 30 2009 By Tammy Hughes

Staff are devastated at the theft of so many Christmas trees

MORE than 200 Christmas trees have been stolen from an Addlestone garden centre in the middle of the night.

The Nordmann Fir trees worth over £12,000 were taken from Bourne Valley Garden Centre between 6.15pm on Monday November 23 and 8.45 am on Tuesday 24.

It is thought that thieves entered round the back of the property, on Woodham Park Road Addlestone, before breaking two sets of gates with bolt cutters.

Managing Director, Paul Elding said: “We're all obviously devastated that this has happened to us so close to Christmas and hope that the police find the criminals who have stolen our trees.”

Detective Constable Anne Simpson, who is leading the investigation said: “This was clearly a planned and cynical offence where the suspects have taken a large number of valuable items. Fortunately no one was injured as a result of the incident but Surrey Police will not tolerate offences of this nature, which will have a major impact on the business involved.

“I would appeal for the help of Runnymede residents to track down the individuals responsible as quickly as possible. I would also urge Runnymede residents to report any suspicious activity, particularly large numbers of trees being sold cheaply in the local area and not from reputable retailers.

“Given the number of items taken it seems very likely that the offenders must have had some form of transport in the area. I would be very keen speak to anyone who may have seen a large vehicle in the Woodham Park Road area on the night of Monday 23 November or the early hours of the following day.

“I can assure Runnymede residents that this matter is being thoroughly and extensively investigated and reassure the public that we are doing everything possible to bring those responsible to justice.”

Anyone who witnessed the burglary or with any other information should call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference RM/09/7548, or call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.’