Blackburn Christmas bauble thieves say sorry to council

All four admitted stealing the baubles from the tree

Four people who stole and stamped on baubles from a Christmas tree in Blackburn town centre have written to the council to say sorry.

The two 15-year-old girls, 18-year-old woman and 22-year-old man were seen on CCTV vandalising the tree on King William Street early on Saturday.

Police caught up with them and all four admitted stealing the decorations.

The two adults were cautioned for theft and all four wrote to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to apologise.

Police said the group were seen climbing over a barrier which surrounds the tree in the early hours.

They were then seen taking the baubles, kicking them through the town and jumping on them.

Community Beat Manager PC Chris Hammill said: "On this occasion, vigilant operators have spotted the incident on CCTV and have directed patrols to their location within minutes.

"All four offenders are extremely sorry for their actions and have written sincere and remorseful letters of apology to the council.

"This approach helps individuals to understand the consequences of their behaviour, meaning that they are less likely to do it again.

"I hope this acts as a warning to those who do act in a drunk or disorderly way in the town centre over Christmas, that they are being closely monitored and will dealt with appropriately."