December 30, 2015 | Lancaster Guardian
Scouts were left shocked after thieves stole hundreds of pounds worth of vital equipment from Littledale Scout Camp.
Littledale Scout Campsite is set in 14 acres of woodland alongside Artle Beck, near Caton, and hosts a 30-bed activity centre which is used by thousands of Scouts and Guides every year.
However, plans may now have to be put on hold for a range of activities in the New Year due to the break-in and theft of adventurous activity equipment, including axes, saws, ropes, air rifles, and archery equipment.
It is believed the theft took place between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day and was discovered by the volunteer warden on Monday.
Craig Dewar, District Commissioner for Lonsdale District Scouts, said: “Volunteers work exceptionally hard to deliver exciting activities to hundreds of young people in the area, including vast amounts of fundraising to enable us to purchase the equipment we need.
“The theft of this equipment means that young people ultimately may lose out.
“We have built that equipment up over the past eight years.
“2016 is also the centenary of cub scouts which is a big year for us.
“A big focus for us is to get young people outdoors and trying different activities.
“We have more than 100 sections of Lonsdale using the site and until we can replace the equipment they will not be able to do the activities.
“Our biggest concern is the air rifles, which were locked in a firearms cupboard inside a locked garage.
“The people who use our equipment are highly trained. For people to be walking around with that equipment with no experience and potentially using it could be quite dangerous.”
Any one with any information should call police on 101.
