A group of Glenrothes scouts will not be experiencing the great outdoors after heartless thieves stole the troop’s trailer.
Andrew Donald, group leader of the 91st Scout Group, said that he was left in a state of disbelief after the trailer used by the organisation was stolen.
The Ifor Williams box trailer had been parked outside the group’s base at the Jubilee Centre, in the Stenton area of the town.
However, when Mr Donald arrived at the community hall last Friday, the trailer, worth thousands of pounds, was gone.
“When I went up I noticed that the parking space was empty,” he said.
“Local residents said that they noticed it was there on Wednesday.
“The first thing I did was contact the other scout leader and then the shock set in as I realised he didn’t have it.
“It was a sense of disbelief.”
The scout group, which has over 60 youngsters on its books, uses the trailer to store tents and camping equipment on regular trips throughout the country.
Recently, trips to Blair Atholl, Alton Towers and Fordell Firs have all been facilitated by the mobile storage unit, which was purchased following a fundraising effort by the scouts.
Though Mr Donald says that it was insured, the theft could curtail the group’s activities unless some help can be obtained from other scout groups.
“Luckily it is winter time and getting closer to Christmas, but it is due to be used every month of next year,” he added.
“We’ll have to see if it turns up but it had three locks on it at the time.
“There was CCTV cameras covering the car park so I’m hopeful that something will come from that.
“All the groups are quite close and there are a couple with trailers that we can hopefully borrow if we have to.
“A local woman has offered a spot in her garden to park it and we’re lucky we have a good community spirit here.”
Police have launched an investigation into the theft, stating that the trailer carries the registration plate P331FES.
It is believed that it was stolen at some point around Wednesday November 9.
Anybody with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
