Heartless thieves targeted the iconic Gorge Bear Company in Cheddar, Somerset, ramming their vehicle into the store before making off with over 200 Jellycat stuffed animals and teddy bears. The brazen burglary occurred at around 4.20am on Sunday, March 30, prompting a police investigation into the stolen soft toys. Despite the devastating incident, the store has since resumed its operations after a brief closure and is urging the public to be on the lookout for large quantities of the stolen Jellycat toys, which hold significant value and are sought after by collectors.
In a Facebook post, the Gorge Bear Company expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received and announced its reopening on Thursday from 11am to 4pm. The store is appealing to the public to report any suspicious sellers offering bulk quantities of Jellycat toys, emphasizing the need to safeguard the stolen cuddly toys and ensure they find loving new homes.
CCTV footage shared by the shop captured two individuals, believed to be a man and a woman, scouting the storefront before utilizing a car to forcibly gain entry by wedging a plank of wood in the door. The vehicle was then employed to ram the door and commit the theft.
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Avon and Somerset Police have initiated an investigation into the burglary, urging anyone with relevant information or footage to come forward and assist with inquiries. They can be reached at 101, quoting the reference number 5225090991.