Call to Wolf Fields raiders

Raiders who snatched equipment from A Rocha UK have been invited to help them change a former wasteland into a community garden.

Workers were shocked to find wrenched padlocks and valuable items missing from their Wolf Fields project on St Patrick’s Day (17th March). But instead of condemning those who took more than £1,000 worth of equipment, they’re encouraging the thieves to come forward and help transform the three-acre site in Norwood Green, Southall.

BROKEN PADLOCKS

The theft was discovered by Communities Officer Kailean Khongsai (pictured), when he turned up to start his shift there on the Tuesday morning. ‘I went to check the site – and found all the padlocks broken,’ he said. ‘There must have been at least two or three people involved, because some of the items are big and heavy. The intruders also trampled on the allotment, but the damage isn’t major and can be repaired.’

While the rest of London prepared to celebrate the saint’s day, the thieves  hauled a heavy-duty lawn mower, strimmer and four brand new pairs of safety boots from Wolf Fields. Formerly used for dumping rubbish, drug-related activities and alcohol abuse, the land is being turned into a community garden by A Rocha UK with help from local volunteers.

OFFER FORGIVENESS

Conservation Director Andy Lester said the charity was ‘deeply saddened’ by the raid. ‘A small group of people decided to take equipment which is there for the benefit of the entire community,’ he said. ‘However, we recognise we’re working at the heart of a community that’s burdened by many challenges. As a Christian charity, we‘d like to reach out to those who’ve stolen from and vandalised the site – and offer both forgiveness and the opportunity to work with us to make this a better place.’

Wolf Fields’ transformation had been boosted recently with new footpaths and information boards. But further development will be delayed while the charity replaces the expensive equipment. Work will eventually turn the site into a multi-purpose wildlife area with an orchard, sensory garden, organic food growing, bee keeping, wildflower meadow, small wooded area, new paths and programme of events. You can read the background to this exciting project here.