Thief Strikes Twice

THIEVES have stolen two of Leigh’s newest post-box toppers in as many days.

Linda Catling, a well-known knitter, regularly creates seasonally-themed toppers for her local Marine Parade post box.

This February, she created a Valentine’s special, and was left heartbroken when thieves made away with it.

No sooner had Ms Catling replaced the Valentine topper –with a “PC Plod” watchkeeper – when that topper was also taken.

The toppers were held down with a chain and padlock, so Linda believes the thieves must have used equipment to abscond with the knitted creations.

She also says it is the same person who is responsible for the thefts, as he has reportedly been seen on CCTV.

Ms Catling said: “It is very annoying and frustrating that one guy can ruin what was something that gave the community pleasure.

“I just feel really upset. It is a shame because he has now made me nervous about putting any more out.

“I just don’t understand why he is doing it. It is not of monetary value. I just don’t know where to go from here. The second one didn’t even last five hours before it was taken.”

Ms Catling thanked the community for their words of encouragement.

She added: “I love making them and there is a lot of support from the community.

“I thank them all for that.”

Ms Catling, who is partially sighted, started knitting for her local post box during lock down, and has become a national sensation ever since.

To date, she as created around 60 toppers, many of which raise local charitable issues.

In March, she is planning one to commemorate the RNLI 200-year anniversary.

Ms Catling concluded: “If the person responsible is reading this, and has a conscience, please return them as they give so much pleasure to the community and beyond.”

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