Stolen sauna makes a swift return thanks to public support
A bespoke sauna reported stolen from Darts Farm, near Exeter, has been recovered following enquiries by the Exmouth neighbourhood policing team.
The luxury, wood-fired sauna belonging to a small local company was loaned to Darts Farm on Friday 29 May - ahead of a summer festival - and was reportedly taken from the site on the morning of Sunday 31 May.
CCTV footage shared on social media showed two men arriving in a van before forcing the hitch lock and towing the wooden sauna from the premises.
Following an appeal for information, which was widely shared by members of the public, officers conducted enquiries to locate the stolen property.
Inspector Mat Helm said: "This positive outcome highlights the strength of partnership working across our policing teams and with neighbouring forces. Our neighbourhood officers worked closely with colleagues in our Crime Management Investigation Team and Intelligence team to develop lines of enquiry and with Wiltshire Police to locate the stolen sauna.
“We are also extremely grateful for the support of the public. Information shared with us, as well as the wide circulation of the appeal on social media, played an important role in helping us progress enquiries quickly.
“Outcomes like this demonstrate how cooperation between the police and our communities can make a real difference."
Following its successful recovery, the sauna featured at Darts Farm’s Summer Festival, which was held as part of the farm’s 55th anniversary celebrations between 12 and 14 June.
A spokesperson from Darts Farm said “We have been completely overwhelmed by this magical display of community. Without your help, there is genuinely no chance we would have it back here on the farm.”
Police have since located and seized the van involved in the incident.
Neighbourhood Policing Week of Action runs from 15 to 19 June and celebrates local policing teams; recognising the vital contribution of neighbourhood officers, police community support officers (PCSOs) and volunteers.
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