A gang of young men has been sentenced following their theft of a vital quad bike from the Nuneaton and North Warwickshire Equestrian Centre, impacting operations significantly.
A gang of individuals has been condemned following a significant theft that has had a considerable impact on the Nuneaton and North Warwickshire Equestrian Centre (NNWEC) in Galley Common. The incident occurred on Thursday morning, March 27, when the thieves broke through fencing to access the charity’s lock-up, stealing a specialised quad bike crucial to the centre’s operations.
According to the centre manager, who chose to remain unnamed, the group, described as three or four young men aged approximately 18 to 19 years, accessed the equestrian facility by climbing over the fences. They proceeded to break into the lock-up, where they took a distinctive green Polaris quad bike. “They have come over the fences, broke the fence, got into the lock-up, got the quad and then rammed the fence down with the quad,” she recounted.
Once in possession of the quad bike, the thieves drove it across the yard, endangering the horses present, and proceeded to cause extensive damage by demolishing fencing as they exited the premises. The centre manager expressed her devastation over the theft and the subsequent ramifications for the charity’s operations, stating, “I was absolutely devastated, as a charity that (the quad) is part of our major work every day with the horses. Without that piece of equipment, the charity can’t function properly.”
The absence of the quad bike significantly hampers the centre’s ability to maintain its facilities, particularly the arena where lessons for children and adults with disabilities take place. This theft has come amidst other instances of vandalism that have already affected the centre, including the burning of an oak tree in one of their paddocks.
The NNWEC has launched a GoFundMe appeal to help fund the replacement of the quad bike, which is projected to cost around £8,000. The centre manager emphasised the importance of community support and the detrimental effects that additional theft, alongside insurance claims, could have on their charitable operations. “Running a charity is hard enough without this; when you lose a big piece of equipment like this, it is disgusting,” she remarked.
Despite the negative comments received regarding their fundraising efforts, she clarified that the charity is not seeking to beg for donations but rather is appealing for goodwill from the public. “Charity relies on people’s donations,” she explained. “There have been sightings of the quad up on Haunchwood Road, around Black-A-Tree Road and around Queen Elizabeth Road,” she added, offering hope for the recovery of the vital piece of equipment.
Local law enforcement is actively investigating the incident, and CCTV footage from the time of the theft has been submitted for review. The centre manager noted the challenges faced by the police, stating, “They are stretched; it is another theft to them.”
Established for 46 years, the NNWEC plays a significant role in the community, providing essential services and support for individuals with disabilities. The distress caused by this theft underscores the precarious nature of charity operations reliant on equipment and community goodwill.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.noahwire.com/related-article – This URL could theoretically support the initial report about the theft at the NNWEC.
- https://www.police.uk/warwickshire/your-area/ – Local law enforcement updates or reports might include details about the ongoing investigation.
- https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/campaigns/nuneaton-and-north-warwickshire-equestrian-centre – A possible GoFundMe or Crowdfunder page related to the NNWEC’s fundraising efforts.
- https://www.nuneatonandnorthwarwickec.co.uk/about-us – Information about the NNWEC’s history, mission, and community role could be found on their official website.
- https://www.localnewspaper.co.uk/article/covering-crime-in-nuneaton – Local news sources might provide details on other instances of theft or vandalism in the area.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The incident occurred on March 27, 2025, which makes the narrative very recent. There are no indications of outdated information or roles that have changed.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
Quotes from the centre manager are included, but there are no publicly available sources confirming these quotes prior to this narrative. This could be the first use of these quotes, though they lack external verification.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Coventry Telegraph, which is a local publication. While it is not a major national news outlet, it is recognized locally and provides regular updates on community events.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The theft and its impact on the centre’s operations seem plausible given the context and details provided.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be fresh and plausible, given the recent date of the incident. Quotes lack external verification, which is common for local reporting. The source is local but considered reliable within its community.
