"It’s not too late for you to repair the damage you have caused."
Those are the words of the boss of a charity who has penned an open letter to the thieves who stole "almost everything" from a working farm in Stapleton.
Elm Tree Farm, a social enterprise in Bristol run by the Brandon Trust, was targeted last weekend (December 7 and 8).
A van, cash and equipment including power tools and lawnmowers was taken during the devastating break-in.
Dozens of people with learning disabilities and autism work at the 37-acre farm which has animals as well as fruit and vegetable patches.
Brandon Trust has now urged the thieves to do the right thing and return the items taken in an open letter published today (December 12) on its website.
The letter by trust chief executive Sue Porto begins: "At some point overnight last weekend (December 7-8), you made a conscious choice to commit burglary at our much-loved charity’s care farm, where we support people with learning disabilities and autism.
"Your actions have caused great distress to them and to our staff, who give so selflessly and whose passion and commitment enables approximately 80 of the most vulnerable people in our society to enjoy the opportunities we provide at the farm."
The letter goes on to describe the impact the burglary has had on those who are supported by the charity.
"You may have thought you were targeting a faceless organisation, but actually if you looked into the eyes of the people we support and our wonderful staff team, who you have hurt so deeply, I hope that you would be appalled by your actions," the letter says.
The burglars are then urged to return the items and "repair the damage" they caused.
The letter continues: "You didn’t just take tools, cash, and equipment; you took away the joy people get every day through the work they do at the farm.
"It’s not too late for you to repair the damage you have caused. You can return the items you have stolen, our van, and the significant amount of cash. I urge you to do so at the earliest opportunity."
Ms Porto previously said she was "shocked, sickened and dismayed" by the event.
Pictures taken by a Bristol Live photographer, during a visit to the farm on Tuesday (December 10), show a broken lock and empty shelves and floor space.
The farm's project manager Keily Elvin said: "We’ve already had some donations and offers of help, which is great - thank you - but more is needed.
"We’re hoping that despite this horrible incident we’ll see the real spirit of Christmas."
Police statement
Avon and Somerset Constabulary is investigating the burglary.
A spokesman said: "A number of sheds and workshops have been broken into and a number of items, including various tools, have been taken.
"Specialist crime scene investigators have examined the area and enquiries are ongoing.
"Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area over the weekend is asked to call 101, providing the call handler with the reference 5219282417."
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