Appeal for safe return of much-loved cuddly animals

Sidmouth Library staff and friends have been left devastated by the theft of children’s soft toys the week before Christmas.

The three large cuddly creatures were taken on Monday afternoon (December 19) and it is suspected they were passed out of the window of the Blackmore Drive premises.

Library supervisor Carol Pentecost said she was saddened by the theft of the toy koala, teddy and lamb – all of which had been donated.

The lamb was gifted by a small boy, who wanted to know it had gone to a good home where he could still visit it.

Carol issued an appeal for the safe return of the toys that were much-loved by children who use the facility, in particular those who attend the regular bounce and rhyme sessions.

She said: “I am so saddened by this. We had a soft penguin stolen at the beginning of the year and these donations went some way towards compensating for its loss. Now they are gone too.

“If the people who took them want to return them, we will ask no questions as we will just be pleased to have them back for our children to enjoy.”