Appeal after signs stolen from Ashdown Forest

Sussex Police said last week, 50 byelaw signs were installed in the forest by volunteers using funding secured from a grant.

However since the weekend, 16 of the signs have been stolen.

PC Giancarlo Leone said: “The bye laws have been put in place to protect the unique habitats that the forest provides as a Site of Specific Scientific Interest, as part of a larger Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and to ensure the safety of any visitors taking advantage of its world famous beauty and space.

“A number of these signs have been systematically removed from their posts for reasons unknown and we’re appealing for the public to help us identify who is responsible before any other signs are removed.”

Kirsty Dirs, Clerk to the Board of Conservators of Ashdown Forest, added: “Ashdown Forest is now predominantly self-financed and the new signs were redesigned and printed with generous donations from local parishes and community groups.

“It’s incredibly disappointing to see a number of these signs taken within days of them being installed. We ask anyone with any information to please get in touch with the police.”

Anyone who witnessed any of the thefts, or who has any other information, can contact the police online or by calling 101 quoting serial 689 of 09/11.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.