Equipment worth thousands stolen from Doe Park water activities centre

The determined burglars cut the main gate’s padlock at Doe Park water activities centre, Denholme, then drove through a wooden fence to reach a fenced area surrounding a high-ropes climbing tower feature, which opened last year.

They then cut through the metal security fence to reach two shipping containers, where they sliced off more padlocks, said the centre’s manager for 19 years, Louise Clarke.

Mark Clayton, assistant manager at Doe Park water activities centre, with karabiners outside raided containers

“They knew what they wanted and what they were doing.

“They must have used an angle-grinder to get through the heavy duty locks and then took about £5,000 of metal karabiners, ropes, helmets and also some gardening equipment.

“We thought we had enough security, but now we may have to get CCTV and alarms.

“They will find things very difficult to sell as we’ve told all the local climbing centres.

“It is a blow as we’ve got lots of events planned. The climbing tower has really taken off since we opened it in April 2015.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to find spare kit from somewhere, but we would really like people to keep an eye out for it and be very wary if they are offered any,” she said.

The high-ropes climbing tower at Doe Park water activities centre, Denholme

Ward Councillor Naveed Riaz (Con, Bingley Rural) also called for people to help catch the thieves who struck on Wednesday night.

“I am saddened to hear that thieves broke into Doe Park water activities centre and have stolen a substantial amount of expensive climbing equipment,” he said.

“I am appealing to members of the public to come forward to report any suspicious activities around the centre, however small or insignificant it may have been at the time.

“It’s important we catch those responsible as the centre offers valuable services to the community.”

Phil Barker, Bradford Council’s assistant director for sport and culture, said: “We are entering our busiest time of the year and the loss of this equipment is upsetting, but we will continue to provide services from the centre including high-ropes activities.

“Our centre is here for the whole community and we work with lots of schools, youth and disability groups across the Bradford district.

“The high-ropes course is a new addition to the centre and with the mixture of water activities we already offer is a fantastic place for a day visit.”

Anyone with information should contact Bradford police on 101, quoting crime reference number 13160235234.