Yahoo News Euros-themed knitted postbox topper stolen from Northumberland village
A woman has hit out at senseless thieves who have stole two knitted postbox toppers from a Northumberland village within days of each other.
Louise Bryant, 55, has been bringing joy to Cramlington village residents for nearly two years with her handmade creations that have include toppers to mark D-Day, a burger and fries, Newcastle United themed designs, tortoises and even a seagull stealing chips.
Most recently she has put out a SpongeBob themed topper at Horton Drive in Northburn, and an England themed one for the Euros in the village. But sadly both of the creations have been stolen.
Louise said: "I'm gutted. It took me so much work and I was really upset."
It is believed the SpongeBob one was stolen by youngsters but Louise says CCTV shows the England football themed one being removed by an adult.
She said: "It is the second time it has been target since it was put in place, within someone previously knocking it down.
"I made one of an England footballer for the Euros, but someone ripped it down on the night England beat Serbia.
"It took me five hours to repair it, I put it back up and now someone has stolen it.
"The base was found at Seven Oaks Park which isn't far away. It took me 30 hours to make it, I'm gutted. It is just old plastic and wire inside, it isn't like it is a toy."
Louise says there has never been any issues with people stealing the items until now, adding: "I just think bring it back and I will put it out again."
Louise had considered stopping putting toppers out in the future but has received messages of support from villagers who love her designs.
"I can't tell you how many messages people have sent saying please don't give up as they bring so much joy," she said. "I have made about 75 so it is not bad going that only a couple have been stolen and most people keep an eye on them."
