Okehampton Men in Sheds vow to keep going after theft and vandalism

Police and community groups are appealing for information following a break-in at the Okehampton Men in Sheds (OMIS) workshop earlier this week.

The incident happened on Wednesday night (22 October), when offenders forced entry to the building, stealing several valuable items and damaging property.

Among the items taken was a large brass bell, around ten inches high, which belongs to the Okehampton Community Recreation Association (OCRA). The bell hangs on a stand and is fitted with a distinctive red and white rope.

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Other stolen items include a chainsaw belonging to a local resident, as well as several electric drills and tools used by the group.

The Community Garden shed, located next to the Men in Sheds building, was also vandalised during the incident.

Graham Storer, OMIS secretary said the break-in had been a “sad day” for the group, which works to repair items for the community and provide a social space for local residents.

In a post shared online, Okehampton Men In Sheds said:

“We are most concerned about items we were repairing for our community, including the brass bell belonging to OCRA. We have notified all local scrap yards and the police. It is a sad day, but we thank everyone who has expressed their support, these vandals do not represent our wonderful Okehampton community. We are still open and still here for your repairs.”

The volunteer-led group, based at the OCRA Pavilion, provides a workshop and social hub for local people to share skills, build friendships, and contribute to community projects.

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The group has recently been involved with county-wide projects, completing their first delivery of Pine Marten Boxes, working alongside the Devon Wildlife Trust.

Police are investigating and have asked anyone with information or sightings of the stolen items to contact them or Okehampton Men in Sheds directly.