Charity Appeals for Information After Thefts from Upper Tamar Lake

A charity is appealing for information after two trailers were stolen from Upper Tamar Lake, near Bude, overnight on Tuesday 30th September 2025.

Trailers Taken Overnight

The theft was discovered by South West Lakes Trust staff during routine checks early on Wednesday morning. The incident has raised serious concerns for the charity, which provides public access to outdoor recreation across lakes in the region.

This is not the first time equipment has been taken. In June 2025, five powerboat engines were stolen from another South West Lakes Trust site at Roadford Lake, between Okehampton and Launceston.

Fears for Community Groups

South West Lakes Trust’s Head of Fisheries, Leon Fisher, said:
“This theft is extremely disappointing; we have so many groups that use the lake for activities including school groups and community organisations. The trailers are in frequent use to enable many of these activities to take place.”

The loss of equipment is a blow for community and school groups that rely on the facilities for outdoor activities.

About South West Lakes Trust

South West Lakes Trust is the region’s largest combined environmental and recreational charity, caring for and enhancing reservoirs on behalf of South West Water. The charity manages 50 inland water sites across Devon, Cornwall, Dorset and West Somerset, covering 5,000 hectares of land and water, which together attract around 2 million visits every year.

The reservoirs and lakes support wildlife, important habitats and historic sites, while also providing opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy the outdoors both on and off the water. More information is available at www.swlakestrust.org.uk

Public Asked to Stay Vigilant

The charity is urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity around Upper Tamar Lake on the night of Tuesday 30th September, or who may have information that could help, to contact police quoting crime reference number SD-1306-25-5050-01.

They are also asking local businesses and members of the public to be on alert for suspicious offers of trailers for sale.

Anyone with information can contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101, or report online at www.devon-cornwall.police.uk

📷Two trailers, similar to the one shown here, were stolen from Upper Tamar Lake, near Bude, on Tuesday 30 September 2025.