Here today, scone tomorrow

IT was a case of here today and scone tomorrow after thieves raided the home-craft store at a village's spring flower show.

The hungry thief filled up with jars of jam and chutney, loaves of bread, and cheese scones, which were being exhibited at Ferring Village Hall.

Sheila Smith, president and secretary of Ferring Horticultural Society, said: "The ladies exhibiting were horrified and shocked. Why would anyone do such a thing?"

Unlike the tasty items stolen, Mrs Smith said that the crime "left a nasty taste in the mouth".

She said that the food disappeared while competitors were being awarded their prizes and the raffle was being called. The home-craft exhibits were left unattended in another hall.

Mrs Smith said: "The ladies went to collect their exhibits and found they were gone '“ jars of marmalade, jars of chutney, loaves of bread. Most of the cheese scones had gone.

"We all exhibited four scones each, two of mine went, but most of the ladies lost all four."

But the thief must have had their fill because the cakes went undisturbed. She added: "The thief was either disturbed or they were too heavy.

"We may have been too quick calling the raffle and they must have scarpered."

Mrs Smith said the external door was locked, so society members believe a visitor to the show targeted the food.

"We think it must have been an opportunist. It is something we cannot point a finger about. It is a warning to other shows that these sort of people are about."

But the society has decided not to contact the police about the theft.

Mrs Smith said that a steward will watch over the produce at the next show to prevent a repeat by the thief.

She said: "We have decided it is just one of those things, and that next time we will have to leave someone to watch over the home-crafts.

"It is a most bizarre happening. I have never heard of anything like it happening before. It was a shame because it was such a lovely show."

She added: "I hope whoever took them gets indigestion."