Criminals stole from charity during Leamington Peace Festival

A box containing £450, as well as a fishing chair and a bunch of keys, were taken from the stall belonging to Rework, which helps people with mental health issues get back into work or education.

The items being sold, which included bird boxes and feeders, tea light holders, planters, jewellery and other items made out of wood, fabric and pottery, had all been made by clients of the not-for-profit organisation.

Project manager Pippa Fitzgerald said: “The worst of it was that everything was hand-made so it had taken them a long time and a lot of effort. It’s a pretty massive blow for us because we rely on the craft fairs where we sell stuff.”

Ms Fitzgerald thinks the thieves targeted their stall between 2pm and 2.30pm on the Sunday (June 19), having possibly reached the box and chair by slipping underneath the stall’s gazebo while she was talking to customers.

She said: “The Peace Festival was the biggest event we have ever done. It was going so well - the most successful stall we have ever had.

“It’s a shame because the festival is such a great event. But we haven’t been put off and would definitely do it again.”

The money made at the festival was intended to go towards buying materials for the group working with Rework, which is part of Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust’s mental health rehabilitation service.

Police are investigating the theft and would like to hear from anyone who saw someone with a low 1960s-style fold-down garden chair with orange and green stripes and a metal frame leaving the Pump Room Gardens at the time of the incident. Call 415000.