St Richard's Hospice elephants fundraiser event targeted by thieves
The farewell events are giving people one last chance to see the sculptures
Last updated 20th Oct 2021
Thieves have targeted a fundraising event in Worcester hosted by St Richard's Hospice.
Thousands of pounds worth of merchandise and equipment was taken from Worcester's Big Parade's farewell event.
Staff made the discovery on Saturday morning (October 2). They found their locked marquee broken into and audio-visual equipment and hospice merchandise missing.
The herd of 66 elephants from this summer's trail are on show for the public to see them one last time before they go to auction.
All the money raised from the farewell events and the auction is raising money for the hospice.
Fundraising Director, Tricia Cavell, said: “We are devastated that our Worcester’s Big Parade Farewell Event venue was broken into over the weekend in what appears to be a calculated act that took place between overnight security patrols.
“We brought our elephant parade to the city to raise awareness of and funds for the care that we provide to local people, something we offer free of charge to those in need.
We are so sad that our event would be targeted in this way and that thieves have taken items which serve to raise funds for our care."
None of the elephants sculptures were damaged and extra security has been placed at the site at Worcestershire Cricket Club.
The final farewell event is due to take place this weekend.
People are being urged to contact police if they saw anything suspicious in the early hours of Saturday morning which may help police with their enquiries.
They can call 101 and use the crime reference number: 00171_I_02102021.