Kayaks have been stolen from an adventure skills and leisure business based at Studland, near Swanage.
The kayaks are kept outside ‘the hutquarters’ of Fore Adventure on Middle Beach.
They were chained up, but thieves burnt off the grab handles that kept them secure, in order to remove them. The theft was discovered on Monday 6th December 2021.
Thieves burnt off grab handles to remove the kayaks from their chains
“A very sad day”
Fore Adventure said:
“It is a very sad day today, after having such a great season seeing people enjoying time outside and embracing time together again, we end the year on this note.”
It’s been a good season for watersports
Range of watersports
Fore Adventure provides training in sea kayaking as well as fishing, foraging, wild cooking and other bushcraft. Customers include schools, holidaymakers and corporate entertainment.
It also hires paddleboards and organises climbing and coasteering trips.
Kayak fishing, paddleboarding and coasteering are all on offer
“Area at risk of fire”
Fore Adventure said:
“Not only is the act of theft bad enough and to target small businesses like ourselves but to put this area at risk of fire after last week’s terrible heathland fire in Studland is sickening.”
Fire destroyed around 20 hectares of Godlingston Heath after starting a week ago on Tuesday 30th November 2021 near the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club course.
Fire swept across the nearby heathland only last week
Easy access to the sea
The fire, on land that’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest and owned by the National Trust, started accidentally and spread from a bonfire.
Fore Adventure’s hut on Middle Beach provides easy access to the water, allowing visitors to explore the Jurassic coastline, Old Harry Rocks, or simply kayak around in the safe and tranquil bay.
Sea kayaking has proved hugely popular this year
“Crime has been logged”
Like many companies, the small business has had to cope with a difficult couple of years because of Covid.
Fore Adventure added:
“If you see any kayaks with melted grab handles or anyone tries to sell you one, please report them to the police. This crime has been logged and they are taking it very seriously.”
Locals are urged to be vigilant for kayaks offered for sale
