A theft took place at Bennett’s garage in Ross-on-Wye on Tuesday, June 28th, and this incident has been linked with a recent group of Travellers, who stayed in the Red Meadow car park last week. The group arrived on Tuesday, June 28th, and departed approximately 24 hours later.

The staff at Bennett’s reported the theft to the police. A member of staff told the Ross Gazette that a child, aged about 12 or 13, entered the shop and then took fruit without paying for it. At the same time an older man, about 70 years of age and a teenage girl entered the shop and were browsing.

The young girl returned and took further food items and other items from the shop and the man took items as well.

An older girl attempted to pay with Euros for some car light bulbs which staff believe was an attempt to distract their attention. The group then drove away in a vehicle with Irish number plates.

By the time police officers arrived at the Red Meadow car park to question the Travellers, the group had already left the site.

Inspector Bob Barnett told the Ross Gazette that he believes a barrier, installed at the entrance to the Red Meadow car park is a good idea. Ross Town Council are currently looking at the possibility of installing one of these barriers themselves.