Police investigating after knitted Christmas bollard toppers stolen from Northamptonshire town
A town council is appealing for the safe return of nine knitted bollard covers placed throughout Market Square in Higham Ferrers designed to spread Christmas joy.
Higham Ferrers Town Council says it is ‘extremely disappointed’ that nine out of 22 – 41 per cent – of the toppers have been removed.
A council spokesman said: “These covers were handmade with care, time and love by local residents to bring warmth, colour, and a sense of Christmas joy to our town.
"Their removal has been upsetting to those who made them and to the many residents who took pleasure in seeing them.
“We kindly ask everyone to keep an eye out for the bollard covers. If you do come across any of the missing covers, please return them to the town hall. If we’re closed, please contact us so we can arrange to collect them from you.
“The missing covers have been reported to the police. Our town centre wide CCTV footage is being reviewed. We sincerely hope the missing covers are found so that the community spirit they brought can be restored for all.”
Yarn bombing is a sustainable, non-permanent, and removable form of street art where local amenities are adorned with crocheted or knitted decorations, which has risen in popularity over the last few years.
The practice has been used in Higham Ferrers previously for other seasonal events such as Remembrance and the Coronation of King Charles III. The latter of which saw knitted teddy bears stolen from the top of the bollard covers.
The Christmas display was installed by a group of local ladies who spent time knitting covers depicting festive characters such as Santa Claus and snowmen, Christmas trees, Christmas puddings and biblical characters such as shepherds and wise men.
The theft has been reported to police and they are keen to hear from local people who may have any information.
A Northamptonshire Police spokesman said: “Higham Town Council has reported the theft of nine community knitted bollard covers from bollards in Market Square.
“The theft is believed to have occurred between 8pm on Sunday, December 14 and 2am on Monday, December 15.
“Witnesses or anyone with information can submit this online at www.northants.police.uk/RO - quoting incident number 25000717825.”