‘Amazing’ find of dumped stolen toys

A community coordinator is delighted a stolen trailer full of toys belonging to the organisation has been found.

Albany Community coordinator Christine Glover of Albany House said the discovery of the abandoned trailer which had been missing for 10 days was ‘‘amazing’’.

‘‘I had hoped that by using the publicity we had done, and through the police, there would be a good news story at the end of this,’’ she said.

‘‘Fortunately, through the [goodwill] of the community and the police doing great work, we’ve got a positive result that is going to benefit the children of our community, which is fantastic.’’

Glover noticed the trailer containing all of the centre’s SummerFun toys was missing on the morning of March 30.

The white horse float style trailer was found abandoned on a the side of a road in Dairy Flat, after it was reported by a local. All the community house branding had been taken off and it was missing a number plate.

Orewa police called Glover late on April 10 to let her know the trailer had been found.

‘‘I think [the constable] was just so thrilled to have some good news that she wanted to tell me.’’

Sergeant Kylie McIvor said the inquiry into the theft would be ongoing and there were no leads yet.

It is the second time the toy trailer has been targeted, as it was broken into in 2015.

Glover said she had also had an offer from a Westgate local, who purchased new toys to donate to the community house.

Once the trailer is returned, the organisation will need to look at future options to keep it secure.Glover said they would welcome any invitations from the community of possible storage solutions.

Contact christine@albanycommunity.org.nz to help.