Mower thefts a setback for society

LOCKED UP: David Ellison, president of the Wairarapa A&P Society, by the padlocked shed from where the ride-on and push mowers were stolen. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

The theft of two mowers from Clareville showgrounds has gutted the Wairarapa A&P Society.

A red ride-on mower and a smaller motor mower were stolen late last week, with the thieves breaking into a locked shed to make off with the mowers.

Wairarapa A&P Society secretary Lynley Hamilton said the caretaker discovered the lawnmowers were missing on Thursday when he was about to mow grass, but the theft could have happened a few days earlier.

"It is really gutting because the grass is growing and we really need to mow the lawn. It was under lock and key, well and truly, but someone took the liberty of helping themselves."

With several events approaching and grass growing quickly, it was bad timing for the charitable non-profit organisation to lose both its mowers, she said. "We are gutted. Here we have had a really successful show and we think things have gone so well and and you're brought down when something like this happens."

Police had been told and had taken fingerprints, Mrs Hamilton said.

She said she had no idea who might have stolen the mowers, but it was likely to be someone who was familiar with the showgrounds.

Until a replacement mower was found, sheep would be grazing the grounds but with a national horse event looming later this month and public areas to maintain, the society would have to get another mower "sooner rather than later".

"We like to keep it tidy."