I am treasurer of a 400-acre non-profit nature preserve maintained for biological field studies that was once a homestead. It is in a remote area. We had a break-in a few years ago where some of the old farm artifacts and tools of the original homestead were stolen (not much else of monetary value there). Perpetrator turned out to be the drug-addicted son of a speculator/developer owning adjacent property. The police found our goods when they arrested the son for another crime, some months later, so the goods were eventually returned.

I hope your thief is similarly caught. In the case of the nature preserve, it helped our peace of mind a lot just to know who it was.

While definitely not certain, it is indeed possible that the case might be solved and that you might eventually get some or all of your possessions back. It looks bleak when this type of thing happens and it is natural to think all is lost. There is much that the police may know or be doing that they cannot share, and so it may seem they can do nothing. But that does not mean they won't try to solve the case, or get a lead and get your possessions back. Lets wish them luck and send thoughts of support to you and to them.

I say this because I worked in law enforcement in Canada for many years. While not overly familiar with the British Police services, I know they have good training and a reputation as being very good at what they do. Don't give up hope.

Best Wishes, Rick

All my best, Anne

I've always liked the idea that the best revenge is living well, so I hope that you and your husband are able to overcome this bump in the road and create your dream and enjoy it despite those who may try to stand in the way.

homeowner's

Agree with talking it up among your neighbors & such - get it on the grapevine. Need to share info of thieves in the area & often helps to track them down, as seldom an isolated incident.

Similar event in my past sent me reeling with shock, too. So sorry & hopes for recovery!

Cath

Also, vasue has a point re insurance. I believe you are renting in Cambridge? If you have renter's insurance on the contents, etc. of your house, it might cover property in the horse box - I am pretty certain that a homeowner's policy would. Also, if your horsebox was ever towed by a vehicle with insurance on it, I would also get your ins broker to check your auto insurance. Insurance is weird, and sometimes covers things you would not think it would. I presume you have already checked this out, but if not, it is harmless to ask.

Jackie

I haven't posted much on this forum, but have been reading it for a while, and always enjoy hearing about your garden.

I hope things are less bleak than they seem, and that the police are able to recover at least some of your things- especially the irreplaceable stuff.

We used to have a garage full of antique tools and other modern tools. Pretty much just the junk was left by the time I started cleaning them out. A few vintage saws, drills, a plane and a level. The rest vanished. Dad used to buy to love to buy cheap Chinese $5 socket wrench sets. I had a big stack of them, went to grab one and gone....only set left was the one I had here. I have to think the person who stole them has no idea of value and just was looking for something to sell for drugs or booze.

Grrr...there's "all kinds" of humans out there in this world, and some of them are giving the rest of us a bad name.

:-/

~Christopher

Jay

Diane

I do think it's worth door knocking your neighbours though, to let them know. Also, who knows what sort of old junk they have sitting around in their sheds that they might like to send your way (old tools and a stove, perhaps?). I know I have a huge old Aga sitting in my shed that is taking up space and I'd happily give it to you (alas, wrong side of the world).

Ingrid

I'm sorry we'll all miss meeting you later this month, but of course I understand. My very best wishes for you and your family in recovering from this difficult turn of events.

Folly

Rose conferencees - take a lot of pictures.....I will mentally transport myself through the aetheric realm, hovering over your shoulders (that sounds a bit weird, mind).

* Cambridge bike strategy - everyone cycles in Cambridge and all of us have had at least 5 bikes stolen (they go round and round in perpetual motion). Anyone with a shiny expensive looking bike may as well leave it unlocked with a big fluorescent sign saying 'Steal me'. Hence, we remove any stickers, shiny extras, smart saddles etc. to make them look as old and tatty as possible - it is common to spend more money on the locks than on the bikes.

Am glad that you're sounding less upset. Homegrown veggies- and gardening in general- can compensate for a lot of what's wrong with the world.

That's terrific! In some locations here in the colonies that's called "driving a beater".

My condolences and best wishes for a swift recovery.

I . . . it is simply unimaginable.

I love roses, but no garden subject imho yields such satisfying off-topic tangents - thank you so very much for those.

Worst thing is losing things from your parents......cant be replaced. I had a house fire 20 yrs. ago - lost everything. Just have to keep moving forward.......best of luck to you and my sympathy for your loss.
Judith