Cornwall Heritage Railway Hit Twice in Week by Burglars

A heritage railway in Cornwall has been targeted by burglars twice in the space of a week, leaving staff concerned and operations disrupted.

Bodmin & Wenford Railway confirmed that intruders forced entry into a carriage during both incidents, stealing food, alcohol and cash, while also causing damage to property.

Police are now investigating the break-ins, the most recent of which occurred overnight between 26 and 27 March, just days after an earlier incident at the site. Officers have appealed for anyone who may have seen suspicious activity to come forward.

The railway estimates that between £800 and £1,000 worth of goods were taken, adding to the financial strain on what is a small, charity-run operation.

The impact has been immediate, with the railway forced to close its onboard bar service for a week over the Easter period, resulting in a loss of income during a typically busy time.

A spokesperson for Bodmin & Wenford Railway said:

"We've had to keep our little bar that we have on the train closed for a week over the Easter holidays - so obviously there's a loss of earnings - but there's damage to the carriage and obviously all the stuff that he actually stole as well. The thief broke into the donation box as well and took all the money out that people have donated so quite a big impact for a little charity heritage railway. It makes it really unnerving actually because sometimes we work until late and it goes dark on the station and it's actually made us feel quite insecure about being here by ourselves in the dark."

Staff have also spoken of the emotional toll, with the incidents leaving volunteers feeling uneasy, particularly when working late shifts at the station.

Image: Bodmin & Wenford Railway