Joy at chainsaw theft arrests

The arrest of three people in connection with the theft of four chainsaws from the Pleasant Point Railway and Historical Society has been greeted with relief and elation by members.

Police confirmed on Saturday that two men, aged 21 and 37, and an 18-year-old woman, have been charged with three recent burglaries, including the one in Pleasant Point last weekend.

Sergeant Nerida Manson said the trio have been jointly charged in relation to burglaries of the Pleasant Point Railway and Historical Society, Riverside Food Bar in Ashburton and the Four Square at Kurow.

‘‘Three chainsaws from the Railway and Heritage Centre have been recovered along with other stolen property.

‘‘This is particularly pleasing because they are a volunteer organisation and losing those items put a significant dent in their operation,’’ Manson said.

Museum president Bryan Blanchard said the members were relieved the stolen chainsaws, valued at almost $5000, had been recovered.

‘‘It’s terrific they’ve caught them. We couldn’t believe we’d been broken into. They had gone through a bit of trouble to break in but they have been caught.’’

He said the society needed the chainsaws to cut wood for the steam engines as coal was too expensive and too messy.

‘‘It also blows black smoke through the town which wood doesn’t do.

‘‘We’re just so grateful for the response we’ve had from the people out there. A voluntary organisation like ourselves. Noone gets paid. It’s all volunteers and its been going since February 1970.’’

Blanchard said the police called him on Friday night saying the suspects had been arrested and would appear in court on Monday.

‘‘They said they’ve arrested the three guys who broke in and flogged the four chainsaws from the museum and they’re going up before court.

‘‘It is really good news that they’ve caught them. The publicity really helped,’’ Blanchard said.

‘‘News gets around and obviously someone’s put the pot on them and told the police and they’ve done the arresting.’’

Blanchard said the members were devastated when they found out the museum had been broken into and what had been taken.

‘‘Three of the chainsaws were ours and one belonged to a member. The chainsaws have not been returned as yet. It’s really the big one we’re after.’’

He said the museum appreciated all the help offered and given since the burglary, particularly the Pleasant Point Rugby Club which has offered eight of its players to saw and chop wood for the society.

‘‘I know there’s some very kind people out there and in two instances they’ve given us brand new ones and we’ve got some smaller ones.

‘‘It is just unbelievable the support there is out there. It just shows even though there are a few rat bags around there’s a lot of good people around too.’’

‘‘News gets around and obviously someone’s put the pot on them.’’

Bryan Blanchard