A 13-foot LED Christmas tree has been reported as stolen from a roundabout near a primary school. The £1,950 holiday decoration vanished from the Archers Park roundabout in Bobbing, close to Sittingbourne, just weeks after its installation. One of Bobbing Parish Council’s LED Christmas trees, similar to the one opposite Bobbing McDonald’s, has been taken. […]
A 13-foot LED Christmas tree has been reported as stolen from a roundabout near a primary school.
The £1,950 holiday decoration vanished from the Archers Park roundabout in Bobbing, close to Sittingbourne, just weeks after its installation.
This was one of three trees set up by Bobbing Parish Council. The remaining two are located across from McDonald’s in Bobbing and at The Grove Park, just off Key Street, all installed by Gala Lights from Aylesford.
On Thursday, around 6:45 am, one of the installers notified the council that the 1.5-meter wide display had vanished.
The council contacted the police about the theft at 5:40 pm that day. It was last confirmed to have been seen at 10 pm on Wednesday.
The authority is now looking for information to assist them in recovering their 40 kg tree.
Reports indicate that law enforcement is conducting an investigation using CCTV from the Archers Business Park.
The council clerk informed KentOnline that the authority is offering a £500 reward for anyone with information.
She remarked: “We have no idea who has taken it, but given its weight, it likely required more than one person to move it.
“This is really disheartening as it is located right outside the Aspire School, and the children enjoyed seeing the tree on their way home.
“It’s also frustrating that someone has taken it, especially since this is only our third year providing trees for the community.
“We are fully committed to getting it back.”
The council notified parishioners about the tree’s theft via social media, prompting various reactions.
One individual expressed: “This is terrible. What is wrong with people?
“Those trees are so beautiful and make a wonderful addition during Christmas. I truly hope this won’t affect our ability to put up the trees in upcoming years.”
Another commenter added: “Who would commit such an act? I hope it is returned or discovered soon.”
KentOnline has reached out to Kent Police for additional information.
