[Stolen] Theft from East Kent Railway

The following has been posted on the EKR facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheEastKentRailway)

"The East Kent Railway has been targeted by thieves.
To help - https://gofund.me/00075eb8
We have had various railway equipment stolen ranging from points equipment to rerailing tooling, we have also lost generators, a 7 1/4 miniature locomotive and a lot more.
We are still itemising what is missing but our losses are expected to exceed £14,000
What they deem as scrap is priceless to us with some components being incredibly difficult to source.
This is not an isolated incident and the thieves have been targeting rural businesses and charitable organisations. This is a huge blow to the EKR as we come out of the Covid restrictions and try to stabilise the charity. Our volunteers work incredibly hard and for free to keep the East Kent Railway in existence and operation for the general public to enjoy - these types of events are heartbreaking for them as they put so much time into the railway.
If you see the vehicle, a white Ford Transit, Reg EA07ZGZ please call the police immediately on 999, do not approach these individuals."

There is some additonal info and a couple of pictures on there too.

 

A later update says
"Investigating officer PC Tom Booth said: 'We believe the man in the CCTV image may be able to assist us, and although the picture is slightly blurry, he may still be recognisable to those who know him.
'Anyone who recognises the man, or has been offered the stolen items for sale, is urged to call Kent Police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/81290/22.' "

 

From Facebook, it seems that the culprit has been identified as a local ne'er-do-well; the van is untaxed, uninsured and no MOT; however, he is from a community with "protected characteristics" so the police are reluctant to act...