Everyone cross at theft of Thomas

May 24 2008 by Neil McKay, The Journal

IT was enough to make the Fat Controller very cross indeed. Thomas the Tank Engine was merrily proving himself to be a Really Useful Engine, by giving rides to all the good boys and girls who fed him coins and admired his paintwork.

Then, in broad daylight, and to the astonishment of his friends, coaches Annie and Clarabel, whom he loved to pull, Thomas was spirited away.

Now young visitors to St Cuthbert’s Walk shopping precinct in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, where Thomas had his own branch line, are missing their favourite engine.

The Fat Controller has called for the help of Mr Policeman and Miss Policewoman to try to find the vanishing Thomas.

Just after 3pm on Thursday a man walked into the shopping precinct from the car park.

While the Fat Controller had his back turned, the man sneakily shunted Thomas, a coin-operated ride, nearer to the exit to the precinct. He is later believed to have returned, loaded Thomas on to a dark green 4x4, and drove him away.

The thief is described as 5ft 8in, white, in his early 20s with short fair hair. He was wearing a white striped top.

A Durham Police spokesman said: “No doubt the Fat Controller will be upset that Thomas has been shunted off from his normal station, but not as upset as the many children who enjoyed rides on him.”

Anybody who can help re-unite Thomas with his young friends should ring police on 0845 6060365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.