Girl speaks out over theft
A six-year-old who sells fresh eggs from her driveway has spoken out after thieves made off with her honesty box – but thanks the community for support.
A little girl who was making pennies selling eggs from her family’s birds has said she is ‘sad’ after a callous thief pinched her honesty box.
Six-year-old Lowri Gilraine has been taking to her driveway to sell eggs from her family’s three ducks, four turkeys, and 20 chickens in Long Copse Lane, Emsworth.
Eggs have been left on a stool next to a sign made by Lowri, with an honesty collection box for people to deposit their money – £3 for a box of six mixed eggs.
Last week, the family was shocked to discover that the box had been taken.
Young Lowri has been left upset that someone would steal her hard-earned money and hopes that it will be returned.
She said: “They are supposed to put money in the box – not take it away.
“If I met the person who stole the money, I would say to them – ‘can you give it back?’
“I’m sad that it was taken.” Mum Nerys Gilraine said: “We’ve had chickens for ten years. The other animals have been hatched by the children in lockdown last year as a project.
“[Lowri] made the sign and she collects the eggs. She’s done it for months.
“It’s just really sad that at the moment there is a part of society that is so disengaged that they would think it’s okay to do this.”
Nerys has decided not to report the theft to the police, with the box usually containing no more than £10.
The family has been overwhelmed by the community’s support after the incident, which happened on April 21.
Hundreds have reacted to the social media post, with almost a dozen offers to replace the stolen money box or support her driveway enterprise – and even one offer to build a bespoke stall.
Mum-of-three Nerys said: “I let her read some of the posts. Her face was lovely – she thought it was wonderful how considerate everyone has been. We’re really touched by the community response.”
Nerys asked that any further offers of help be directed at ‘those more in need’ through the Beacon Food Bank in Havant and the Southern Domestic Abuse Service.
The setback hasn’t caused Lowri to abandon her pocket-money boosting business, as her family has sourced a new money box.
Lowri said: “I’ve already had new customers.”