Owner of Mrs G’s Pumpkin Patch, in Garboldisham, says thieves will not keep them down after site was raided overnight

The owner of a rural business has vowed to bounce back after thieves stole thousands of pounds worth of equipment – days before the site was set to welcome its first customers of the year.

Mrs G’s Pumpkin Patch, based on land neighbouring Garboldisham Cricket Club, had 27 wheelbarrows and a John Deere 2320 tractor, with a rear-mounted Fleming Top3 mower, stolen at the weekend.

Laura Gooderham, who runs the venture, said although there had been no update on the missing items, she did not want it to distract people from next week’s opening day.

“We’re all really sad at what happened, but we are picking ourselves up, moving on and getting ready for the new season,” she said. “We are not going to let them get us down.”

Now in its fourth season, the site in Harling Road attracts thousands of people every year, with visitors able to roam a large field for the perfect pumpkin, while enjoying food and drink from trade stands.

“The community has really come together in the aftermath of the theft,” said Mrs Gooderham. “We have had loads of support, telling us how much people love the patch, and that is so comforting.

“We have been overwhelmed by people’s messages and are very thankful that they like the patch so much. It is such a positive to come out of an awful situation.”

Mrs Gooderham, whose family are arable farmers, said they hoped to have replacement wheelbarrows by the time they open.

“We will be getting more and have had some really generous offers from people,” she said. “We are sure we will be at full strength and ready to go by next week.”

She added that there would be lots to do at the patch for all the family.

“We have so many children’s activities going on. We have different arts and crafts as we always do and we have got a few new exciting bits that people will notice as soon as they come on to the patch,” she said.

“Our barrel train will be running, with new additions to the course and extra options for food this year, which is really exciting. Plus, we are doing an autumnal patch trail.”

Mrs G’s Pumpkin Patch, at The Langley, is open from October 19 to 31, between 10am and 4pm every day.

Norfolk Police are appealing for any information or dash-cam footage that could help officers with the investigation into the theft, which happened between 8.30pm on Saturday and 12.30am on Sunday.

People are asked to call 101, quoting the crime reference number 36/71341/24, or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.