A FLOWER farm which is used to help rehabilitate people with learning disabilities and depression has been targeted by thieves.

Thousands of pounds worth of equipment was stolen from Organic Blooms at Frome Valley Fruit Farm in Frampton Cotterell, leaving staff and patients devastated.

Jo Wright, manager of the cut flower business and therapy project, told the Gazette: "Because of the nature of what we do this theft is even worse in a way.

"You can cope if it is just your business but for our clients with depression and anxiety, which is particularly bad in the winter, seeing their work jeopardised like this is very hard for them."

Even the kettle was stolen in the break-in last Tuesday night (February 3), as well as £2,500 of equipment, including gardening tools, strimmers, lawnmowers and chainsaws.

Mrs Wright, who has run Organic Blooms with her husband Chris for two years, added: "The thieves could have slashed our polytunnels but fortunately they did not vandalise the place.

"They did make a real mess though and our trainees and volunteers are understandably upset."

Wendy Pagington, who works with patients referred to the farm by their GP, said she did not know what effect the burglary would have on people on the therapy course.

She said: "I feel disgusted. I hope these people can live with themselves stealing from such vulnerable adults."

"I don’t know what effect it will have on everyone when they next return to training."

She added: "We will struggle on as best we can as we will not let our people down."

Mrs Wright said she hoped the incident would serve as a warning to other farmers in the area.

"We need more awareness as there have been a number of burglaries at farms in the area," she said.

"We are quite rural and isolated so other farmers need to be careful."

Sgt Adrian Fallows, from Chipping Sodbury Police, said: "We are seeing an increase in rural crime with thefts from farms, farm shops and isolated stables.

"We are doing high visibility and targeted patrols but I would like to take this opportunity to reinforce the prevention message."

Sgt Fallows said good quality locks and hinges should be used to secure all out buildings and property should be marked and registered at www.immobolise.com.

He added: "Judging by what has been taken I would suggest that vans and trailers are being used."

Anyone with any information or who saw anything suspicious should contact the police on 0845 456 7000 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.