St Werburgh’s City Farm staff ‘demoralised’ after break-in saw thieves blowtorch donation box

Staff at St Werburgh’s City Farm in Bristol have been left devastated after thieves broke into the charity multiple times over the winter, blowtorching the charity’s donation bin and smashing their way into buildings.

The most recent break-in happened on Monday (March 14) and saw the offenders using a blowtorch to gain access to the charity’s donation sculpture in the yard, from which they managed to swipe a small amount of cash.

They also broke into the charity’s workshop after the locks had just been replaced, swiping hand tools before smashing a window at the cafe and making off with a tip jar.

Co-director Jess Clynewood told BristolWorld: “We have been broke into five or six times over the winter with our offices, workshop, cafe and training cabin all targeted.

“I think they see us an easy target as we’re in a quiet location with lots of escape routes, and some of the buildings are quite old.

“We don’t have anything of high value and the donation box is emptied most nights - I think they’ve only ever got away with anything worth a couple of hundred pounds at the most.

“But it’s really demoralising and a drain on our resources as a not-for-profit, especially when we have to repair the damage.”

Police are investigating the incidents and anyone with information is urged to call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11.

St Werburgh’s City Farm was launched in 1980 in Ashley, and is surrounded by neighbourhoods that ‘fall within the 10% most disadvantaged in the UK’.

It aims to provide a green space for all while equipping residents with knowledge, skills and confidence around growing food and engaging with the community.

“We are a charity and just trying to do good things in the community, so it’s hurtful that this is happening,” added Jess.

If you’d like to help, you can make a donation to the farm by clicking here.