Anger over picnic bench thefts

Two heavy and expensive picnic benches have been taken from a field in what has been described as a “theft from the community”.

The seats had been put in Carter’s Field in Ruckinge by the parish council after they were bought specifically for people to enjoy during the warmer months.

Ruckinge Parish Council had taken over the field and added the seating in July.

But less than a month after they had been placed, the benches, which cost £900, had disappeared.

Angry chairman of Ruckinge Parish Council, Stephen Denis, said: “The picnic tables were deliberately chosen so they wouldn’t get stolen.

“It is theft from the community, they were an amenity for everyone.

“The parish council has been doing good and used its funding to buy the benches.”

Cllr Denis has asked for the benches to be returned to their original spots.

He said: “They were pretty expensive and made out of recycled material. We are very cross.”

“The field is used by dog walkers and for children playing games.”

The incident is said to have happened on Saturday, July 24.

It was reported to the police who have confirmed that “all lines of inquiry have been completed” and that no arrests have yet been made.

A police spokesman added: “The person who had reported the crime has been informed accordingly.”

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Stephen Denis at the spot where the picnic benches were