Anger as thieves net fishpond haul

Mr and Mrs Toomer, of York Road in St Annes, were dismayed to find that thieves had stolen both goldfish and an expensive pump and filter from the pond in their garden.
Sue Toomer next to the pond. PIC BY ROB LOCK
7-4-2014 — Mr and Mrs Toomer, of York Road in St Annes, were dismayed to find that thieves had stolen both goldfish and an expensive pump and filter from the pond in their garden. Sue Toomer next to the pond. PIC BY ROB LOCK 7-4-2014

Around a dozen goldfish and £500 of cleaning equipment were stolen from a pond in York Road, in the town, after burglars struck last week.

Sue Toomer, 63, says her water feature is used as a focal point for nearby elderly residents, who enjoy coming to sit and watch the fish, and many have been left upset as a result of the burglary.

Her husband Patrick, 62, made the discovery after checking the aquarium last Friday and immediately told the police.

Sue said: “He went to check the pond and there was no filter, no plug, no piping – nothing.

“A whole load of fish had gone too.

“I feel terrible, it’s a horrible experience.

“Fortunately, we’ve never been robbed inside the house before, but you still feel violated because it happened outside the bedroom window as well.”

Sue says their pond is enjoyed by neighbours and residents of a nearby old people’s home, and the incident has led to upset among some residents on the street.

She added: “The garden’s exposed at this time of year because things haven’t been put up, but all the children come to see the fish.”

The theft happened overnight between Thursday, April 3 and Friday, April 4.

A Lancashire Police spokesman confirmed the force was investigating.

He said: “We had a report of the theft of a plug, filter and fish from a garden pond.

“The offenders removed netting covering the pond and stole the fish.

“They also removed a plug and support filter. We are making enquiries.”

Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call the police on 101.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.