Project that provides animal therapy for young people in Cornwall targeted by thieves
A car was stolen from the site and reportedly found burnt out
A project that uses llamas, alpacas and ponies as therapy for young people in Cornwall has been targeted by thieves.
Chy Lowen Alpacas Tregaswith (CHAT) is based near Newquay and provides Animal Assisted Intervention, which is a form of therapy, to help young people who have special needs, mental health issues or are youth offenders.
The site was broken into over the weekend and a car was stolen from the premises. The vehicle was then reportedly found torched nearby.
Mary Harvey runs the non-profit project and is concerned about the site's security going forward.
She told us luckily none of the animals were harmed but they were noticeably distressed by what happened.
She said: "I feel devastated, 15 years we've been doing this and all for free.
"They had obviously been chasing the animals around too and that annoyed me more than anything.
"I have been up since 3am as I couldn't sleep and I can't eat at the moment as I feel sick."
A post on the organisation's Facebook page from Sunday reads: "Very sad day, someone that is known to the farm has got in using keys ! And taken Mary's blue Micra, had a jolly drive round and then set fire to it! The car was found a short distance from the farm.
"Mary is absolutely distort, not only that her beloved little car is gone but that someone has been on the yard without permission, moreover the llamas and alpacas have been upset so much this morning no one would come down for feeding.
"All locks and padlocks will be changed today, and we are asking for any donations to upgrade security at the yard.
"This is a real blow to Mary and Mike who have dedicated their retirement to helping others and welcoming everyone to the farm with an open door policy sadly this may have to change."
Police are currently investigating what happened and anyone with information is asked to contact officers.
A Devon & Cornwall Police spokesperson said: "Police are investigating reports of a theft of a car from Tregaswith area of Newquay.
"It was reported that between 1.30pm on Saturday 26th and 9.30am on Sunday 27th February, a blue Nissan Micra was taken."
Anyone who witnessed anything which may assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 101 quoting CR/017363/22