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A burglary at the Cass Bay Cadets’ reserve buildings has resulted in the loss of valuable memorabilia.

The theft, took place between Friday and Tuesday.

Training ship Godley Navy Cadets Chairperson Chris Nee told chrislynchmedia.com “The stolen items are mostly memorabilia, irreplaceable stuff.”

Two diesel heaters were stolen along with a large wooden ship’s wheel, about a metre and a half across, a set of brass and glass navigation lights, a large compass, that is typically bolted to the deck of a ship and two large bronze bells.

“These items, which were part of the legacy of Training Ship Cornwall, were significant to the Cass Bay Cadets, especially after the merger of the Christchurch units following the earthquakes” Nee said.

The reserve land, owned by the council, has been at the centre of a long-running effort by the cadets to secure a lease on the buildings.

After 20 years of persistence, the Cass Bay Cadets were finally granted a lease in November of last year.

However, shortly afterward, use of the buildings was halted when asbestos was discovered, preventing access to the site.

There has been ongoing work to remove asbestos from the nearby ammunition bunkers.

“We had workers on site, and they were the ones who noticed the theft on Tuesday.

The last time they were there was the previous Friday, so it must have happened sometime between then,” Nee said.

“While some items taken, such as lawnmowers and weed eaters, can be easily replaced, it’s the loss of the historical artifacts that has struck a deep chord with the cadets. “It’s just a shame.”

“Most of the memorabilia that’s gone was from Cornwall.

“It’s not about the monetary value; it’s about the history and memories tied to those items.”

The Cass Bay Cadets are now appealing for the return of the stolen items, hoping that the community can help recover these pieces of their shared history.

Nee said she’s contacted police and scrap metal dealers across the region.

“We just want our stuff back no questions asked.”