£3,000 fishing tackle stolen in burglary
Fishing equipment worth more than £3,000 has been stolen from a Lincoln angling champion.
The collection included four rods, a tackle box, poles, umbrellas, two hold-all bags and scores of floats, hooks and reels.
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Robert Thorley with a net spared by the burglars
Some of the items are decades old and are no longer available to buy in the shops.
Thieves stole the haul after breaking into a garage in Boultham Park Road at some point between 5pm on Sunday and 6am yesterday morning.
Angler Robert Thorley (56), who has won several local competitions and been a finalist in national events, has now been forced to pull out of an event this weekend.
Mr Thorley said he is furious with the thieves who have robbed him of his lifetime hobby.
"There were things in that garage that were worth a lot of money that weren't even touched, it's like they knew exactly what they wanted and where to find it," said Mr Thorley, who was a Kamasan Competition and National Angler Championship finalist.
"It's just not something you expect to happen. I'm really disappointed.
"I had things in that collection that were more than 20 years old, such as a rod that you can't even buy anymore.
"What is most infuriating is that a rod that might have cost me about £1,600 would fetch about £50 on the black market."
Police say they the burglars climbed over a fence close to Boultham Park Road to get access to the garage.
Officers are now asking for people to report anyone selling similar items.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Lincolnshire Police on (01522) 882222 with incident number 135 of January 5.
For more stories, see Tuesday's Echo.
7 Comments
by matt lincs, lincoln
Wednesday, January 07 2009, 1:39AM
“why do people think they have the right to pinch things, get out there earn a crust and buy your own, it really takes the pee, people r joking n larking bout this guys stuff going but it really aint nice when ur the one that people are pinching off. lets hope it returns, i doubt it but i do hope so.”
by Chris P Duck, Fishtoft
Tuesday, January 06 2009, 3:09PM
“I understand that they made a getaway on a motorpike (and side carp). It would be interesting if these rumours could be confirmed..............”
by Stephen, Honest Steve
Tuesday, January 06 2009, 2:48PM
“Mr Thorley, there is no need to be infuriated I would give them far more than £50 for that £1,600 rod.”
by rickaAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYyyyyyyyy, lincoln
Tuesday, January 06 2009, 2:15PM
“this sounds a bit fishy to me..... ho hum. I hope that the thieves are kippered, and that the police do not waste time following up on red herrings.....oh dear...”
by Russian Ollie Gark, Saudi
Tuesday, January 06 2009, 10:09AM
“Having been a victim of theft myself I know it's not nice. Let's hope the net is closing in on these thieves. It all seems to have happened so sardinely. I must go and lie down now as I have a haddock.”
by Republican_Boy, Lincoln
Tuesday, January 06 2009, 9:51AM
“'Robert Thorley with a net spared by the burglars'
They probally weren't burglars but Animal Rights Activists protesting against this cruel and barbaric hobby.!
They probally left the net as some kind of calling card or statement to show that these sadistic fish catchers better watch out as the ALF are about and they will catch them.
Equal Rights for Fish NOW..!”
by Oldgit, LIncoln
Tuesday, January 06 2009, 8:31AM
“Best of luck getting it your gear back Bob... Lets hope this doesn't turn into the story about the one that got away”