Thieves target husky welfare charity weeks after founder’s death

The yellow quadbike stolen from the Sibes and Sled Dogs Husky Welfare track in Barrowford. (S)

Thieves struck at the premises off Greenfield Road on Monday night, ransacking the shop and two caravans on site and fleeing with thousands of pounds worth of equipment.

The break-in comes just weeks after John Duxbury, the charity’s founder, died suddenly, and his wife Christine collected an award in his honour only last week. The charity does not have the money to replace the stolen items.

Christine Duxbury said: “My head is completely mashed at the moment. It’s just been one thing after another. It’s just so frustrating and mindblowing what they have done. They have ransacked the shop and caravan and sprayed a fire extinguisher to cover their tracks. We’re now on a clean-up mission. Nobody can believe what has happened. It’s just wrong.”

A yellow quadbike, two petrol strimmers, two petrol chainsaws, a blue generator, a leaf blower, a dog blaster, TV, dog treatment equipment and £50 cash, including poppy money, are just some of the items stolen in the burglary.

It is thought access was gained from the Leeds and Liverpool Canal where fencing has been forced and the thieves have wheeled items up to a waiting vehicle on the access road.

Anybody with information on the stolen equipment or who saw anything suspicious in the area on Monday night should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.