A break-in at the Dean Forest Railway, a popular heritage railway attraction in Lydney, Forest of Dean, led to the theft of valuable memorabilia and visitor donations over the Easter weekend.
Gloucestershire Police acted swiftly after the incident, leading to the arrest of a 39-year-old man on suspicion of burglary. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
The break-in occurred on the evening of Saturday, April 4, between 6pm and 7pm, when the thief forced entry into a railway carriage that had been converted into a restaurant. Among the stolen items were a range of model railway pieces, including boxed wagons and rolling stock, as well as a leather driver’s bag and various sale items.
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Moreover, the intruder also broke into donation boxes, seizing cash contributions generously left by visitors.
Following a review of CCTV footage, police quickly identified and apprehended the suspect. In a statement, Gloucestershire Police confirmed the stolen items have been largely recovered.
Dean Forest Railway expressed their gratitude on social media for the community’s support and the police’s prompt action. “The majority of the stolen stock has been recovered and returned to us, which is excellent news,” they said.
The attraction’s spokesperson also thanked those who provided information and assistance during the investigation, emphasizing the importance of community involvement.
While the investigation remains open, Dean Forest Railway refrained from making further comments, focusing instead on continuing to protect their heritage and serve their visitors.