A wildlife park in Kent, once a bustling attraction but now closed to the public and devoid of its animal inhabitants since 2021, is facing a severe challenge from persistent intrusions. Sandwich Wildlife Park has become a repeated target for trespassers, according to managing director Tony Binskin. These illicit entries are not merely disruptive; they have resulted in significant financial losses and diverted crucial resources.
The park experienced a particularly damaging incident in April when a range of valuable items were stolen from the premises. Reports indicate that televisions, electrical cabling, lawnmowers, and chainsaws were among the stolen goods. The cumulative financial impact of these various incidents is estimated to be a staggering £120,000. This substantial sum of damages is having a direct and detrimental effect on the expansion plans for its sister site, Wingham Wildlife Park.
Tony Binskin elaborated on the ripple effect of these incursions, stating that their maintenance team, whose expertise is vital for the development at Wingham Wildlife Park, is now compelled to spend valuable time travelling to Sandwich to address and repair the damage inflicted by these unauthorized entries. This diversion of effort directly impedes progress on the next phase of expansion at the operational park.
In an effort to curb these ongoing issues, CCTV footage of the incidents has been submitted to Kent Police. Mr. Binskin has also issued a public appeal, urging anyone with information pertaining to these break-ins to come forward and contact either the police or the park directly. Kent Police have been contacted for an official statement regarding these ongoing investigations.
