Yarn bomb theft occurs every time 'without fail'

A knitted hedgehog was cut from a bollard just days after being displayed

The anonymous creators of knitted and crocheted artwork say their displays get stolen every time "without fail".

Whinfield Yarn Bombers in Darlington have had part of their autumn display of woolly decorations stolen and destroyed just days after placing them around the community, leaving them "absolutely devastated".

A hedgehog mounted on a bollard has been cut from its perch and two other designs have disappeared.

Jo, who joined the group in January, has been a part of three displays since but is "yet to get any of my pieces back".

A group of six women make up the yarn bombers and they have been decorating the streets of Whinfield for about three years, marking Remembrance Day, Christmas, spring and autumn.

But Lesley, another member, said: "Every year without fail. Every display we get one item, and sometimes two, taken."

The group creates new displays for Remembrance Day, Christmas, spring and autumn

For this autumn's display, they ditched their usual plastic cable ties in favour of sturdier metal ones.

"They just cut the hedgehog off and left the attachment," said Lesley.

The women said they are proud of what they do, but the routine vandalism takes its toll.

"These displays are not just decorations, they represent our passion, our time and our love for what we do," said Jo.

"Each time something like this happens we feel like giving up, but we carry on for the sake of the community, most of whom love and appreciate the displays."

The group used metal ties for this display to stop them from being stolen

Councillors Jamie Bartch and Andy Keir, who represent Whinfield, said they have supported the yarn bombers with their "limited " community fund over the years.

"To see it wasted because of the destructive actions of a few is beyond frustrating," they said.

"It's a slap in the face to the community and all the hard work that goes into making our area a better place.

"Their work brings so much joy to this community."

Anne, another member, says they have had "some really smashing comments from residents on how lovely they are. It's heartening".

"They say 'don't give up'."