Thieves with a conscience return village post office Christmas tree stolen in drunken prank

The tree, along with a hanging basket, was taken late on Thursday evening, November 28 from outside the post office on Addison Road in the village. Whoever took them also cut a wire, putting the lights on the roof were out of action too.

However, after the story was shared on Facebook, the thieves returned the tree the following Saturday, complete with decorations, along with the hanging basket and cash to replace the broken lights.

Since April 2017 the post office, which is also the village store, has been run by Katie Hudson and her husband Sean and the couple make sure that the Christmas lights are something for West Boldon to be proud of.

Sean said: “I got there on Thursday morning and the lights were out. There was just a pool of earth where the tree had been.

“We put it on our Facebook page. There were lots of shares and threats of dire consequences over the tree. Our councillor, Alison Strike, called us and and said she would see what she could do.

“South Tyneside Homes rang back to say they would help and gave us another tree to put up. It was a really nice gesture by the council.

“But the tale doesn’t end there. Clearly the culprit was shamed by the Facebook reaction into returning the tree. On Saturday morning it had reappeared complete with all decorations.”

The tree was returned with a handwritten note, saying: “Hi, really sorry but a drunk friend of ours tried to play a prank by moving your Christmas tree and hanging basket into our front garden.

“He believes he might have broken some lights so please find enclosed £10 to buy some more. Apologies for the inconvenience. Merry Christmas.”

Sean and Katie are happy with the way things have worked out.

Sean added: “It’s created a lot of good feeling in the village. Everybody pulled together.”

The tree donated by South Tyneside Homes will be put to good use elsewhere.