Cycle trail’s stolen shade sail returned

0
1906

The shade sail that was stolen from the Tasman Great Taste Trail near Harley Rd earlier this month has been returned by an “anonymous receiver” who handed it into Nelson Police on Thursday.

The $1500 sail was stolen from a popular stopping place on the Great Taste Trail on April 2. Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust chairwoman Gillian Wratt says the thieves would have had to use a ladder to unscrew and cut down the shelter and take it away by a vehicle.

The shade sail was donated by Nelson company TM Covers a year ago. It provided necessary shelter at the top of the hill for riders and those looking for a beautiful view over the region.

However, Gillian received some good news on Friday when she found out that senior constable Reuben McCormack had contacted the Waimea Weekly to say the shade sail has been handed into police by an anonymous receiver.”

Reuben’s email says “thanks for the article you wrote on the stolen shade cloth from Harley Road, Tasman.  It had the great effect of an anonymous receiver handing it back to the police tonight. ”

Gillian says she is delighted the sail has been returned and it will be put back in place as soon as possible. She says the positive response to the theft indicates that people regard the cycle trail as a valuable community resource.