‘Absolutely gutting’ loss for Lewisham Scouts after £10K of equipment robbed
A Scouts division may not be able to go on trips in the summer after £10,000 worth of equipment was stolen from its lock-up.
The 8th Lewisham South Scouts, which about 50 children are part of, including the Cubs and Beavers, has lost vital equipment to go on trips such as tents, cooking equipment and a marquee.
Louise Britchford, executive member of the 8th Lewisham South Scouts said on December 6, team members found the door to the lock-up in St Almund’s Close, off Elfrida Crescent in Bellingham, was broken off and all the items were gone.
“It’s devastating for us and the kids,” said Ms Britchford. “We don’t want them to lose out. It’s horrible because it feels like someone watched us put the equipment in there and then nicked it.
“All the equipment has our name on it and Scouts logos. You can see that you’re taking stuff from kids.”
Ms Britchford, who has been a member of this Scouts division since she was a child and whose daughter is now in the Beavers, said the police had already closed the case as they could not find any evidence.
“It’s absolutely gutting,” she added. “We’ve been collecting that stuff for years and bought through money we had fundraised. Some of the stuff like the cooking ware is what we actually use to fundraise.”
Tracey Smyth, from Bellingham, said the camping trips her children did with the Scouts helped her own mental health.
“I rely on cubs as an extra curricula for my children Max and Lexi,” she said. “With a child with ASD, we need stability and routine, so going each week is great for that.
“It is worrying if they won’t be able to go on the camps in the future as they will miss experiencing the outdoor adventures.
“As a parent it is good for my own mental health to have a break while knowing they are enjoying themselves and being well looked after. It will be a great shame if this is not possible.”
Pictured top: The 8th Lewisham South Scouts on a summer camping trip in one of the tents that was stolen (Picture: Louise Britchford)
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