Heartless thieves target 'magical' charity garden

THREE BURGLARIES IN A MONTH LEAVE VOLUNTEERS WITH A BILL OF OVER £5K

- By JENNY SEYMOUR [e-mail] @JenSeymour1

VOLUNTEERS at a “magical” charity garden have been left in disbelief after it was raided by heartless burglars three times in a month.

A large metal firepit, donated in memory of someone it had helped, was stolen in the latest break-in, an act those who help care for the garden say is “heart-wrenching”.

The Patchworking Garden Project in Dorking, which is entirely volunteer-run, supports anyone who is facing difficulties in life, for a whole host of reasons. It marked its 10th birthday at the weekend, and as volunteers celebrated in the oasis at the foot of Box Hill off Pixham Lane, they said they were determined the thieves won't dampen the place's special spirit.

The cost of the damage and theft caused totals £5,000 - a “huge sum” for the charity to cover, said Christine Munford, one of its lead volunteers.