Watch: 'Shameless' thieves steal bouncy castle as Staffordshire pub launches appeal for information
The pub is reportedly only one of a number to be targeted on the night.
A South Staffordshire pub has asked for help in identifying two people after its community bouncy castle was stolen.
The Why Not Inn, on Broad Lane, Essington, was struck by the ‘shameless’ thieves at around 5.12am on Saturday morning, with the two men being seen to enter the premises, before taking the castle.
After taking the castle, the brazen thieves were then spotted returning a second time to also steal the air pump.
Now, CCTV footage and images, sent by the pub, have revealed the moment the pair entered the grounds to take the play items, with the owners saying that the theft has ‘taken this away’ from the children in the area.
Kirstie, manager of the Why Not Inn, and Andy, the pub's owner, said: “This is devastating to us all.
“We have worked to turn this almost derelict pub completely around, and tried to make it a true community pub for the locals again, just for people like that to come and take things away from the children.
“We have put blood, sweat and tears into the pub, and any money this makes goes straight back into the pub to make improvements and create facilities for everyone to enjoy.
“And then this happens. They’re completely shameless.”
The video shows the thieves running into the garden of the pub before dragging the bouncy castle into a nearby silver BMW.
Both men are seen covering their faces; however, both are described as white, with at least one of them wearing glasses.
Kirstie said that a number of other pubs in the area had also been targeted, saying that there were ‘five pubs in total’ that were also victims of theft on the same night.
She said: “We spoke to two other pubs who were affected yesterday, and after showing the video, they confirmed it was the same people who took their bouncy castles too.
“There were five pubs in total that we know about on the same night.
“Taking things from children has to be the lowest of lows.”
Anyone who recognises the people is asked to contact The Why Not Inn or Staffordshire Police via their 101 number.
Staffordshire Police have been approached for further information on the string of thefts.