They risk their lives to save others... and yet thieves target base
BUT MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM HEARTENED BY ‘FANTASTIC’ SUPPORT FROM PUBLIC
AMOUNTAIN rescue team who risk their lives to save others say they have had a “fantastic response” from the public after their base was burgled.
The thieves snatched cash from a till float and collection boxes during the burglary at the Ogwen Valley Rescue Team (OVRT) Bethesda.
The “deplorable” crime has been blasted by members of the public, who have been rallying round to support the team since. base, near
The incident happened between 9.30pm and 10pm on November 7, when thieves broke open a window to the crew room. They also attempted to kick down the operations room door, but were unsuccessful.
Around £50 float money from the merchandise shop was snatched along with the contents of the food cupboard honesty box.
OVRT spokesman Stuart Kato said: “They also stole two full collection boxes which probably had a few hundred pounds in them, they also caused £100 damage to our door and raided our biscuit cupboards and stole two cans of cider that we had around in case of a celebration.
“This has never happened before, and what has left us a little confused is that outside CCTV footage from the night shows people entering wearing rucksacks and head torches and they seem to have come off the hill.”
He added: “They have left a large footprint, and the police were here for most of the day on Friday, so hopefully the culprits will be caught.”
Since the burglary, members of the public have raised £1,000 towards the team to help replenish their stocks.
“There really has been a fantastic response since what happened,” said Mr Kato.
“All the donations have been gratefully received and have boosted our morale, and it means we can boost our biscuit cupboards as we need a lot of energy when we go out looking for people on the mountains.”
A spokeswoman North Wales Police enquiries ongoing. for confirmed are