Women spotted '˜trying to steal' knitted items from Battle display

Residents Nicky Carew and Lekiddo, of Lord of the Lobster! fame, came across the pair removing knitted items from the festival’s yarn bombing installation on Saturday morning (October 13). 

The women, who had two medium-sized dogs with them, were spotted near St Mary’s Church in Upper Lake at around 10.30am. 

Nicky and Lekiddo said they confronted the women and were finally able to persuade them to hand over the five items they had taken.

The matter has been reported to the police and CCTV images are being reviewed to establish their identity.

Nicky Carew said: “I was amazed two women would do such a thing, people are always to ready to blame young people for this kind of damage and theft.”

Lekiddo said they were returning home after attending the Hastings bonfire event, and added: “I love the yarn bombing that livens up the town, I was flabbergasted that adults would do such a thing.”

David Furness, mayor of Battle and chairman of Battle Festival, said that this was just the latest incident of theft and damage.

He said on Sunday, September 30 at 8.45pm two women who later drove off in a white Audi car were seen damaging and stealing yarn bombing outside the Crafty Norman Shop.

He added: “Luckily there are good descriptions of all four women involved in both incidents. The police have bee informed and are hopeful that arrests will be made. I would like to thank Nicky and Lekiddo for their brave and public-spirited actions.

“If anyone witnessed these incidents can they please contact Sussex Police using reference number WEB-JBP-T8E-PUU.”

The leader of the yarn bombing group, Amanda Kerr, said: “It is very upsetting these women thought it was acceptable to steal items created by a group of volunteers. We have received so many lovely comments on our Facebook Page since installing the bombing with a lot of people saying how much their children enjoy seeing the toys on their way to school. We are determined to keep on knitting (and crocheting) and are planning a Christmas Bombing once we have finished our Poppies for Remembrance Day.”

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