Heartbreak after thieves ransack Rodley Christmas Elf Trail

Part of a trail of Santa’s elves for children to discover in a Leeds park which was home-made by two sisters has been stolen and damaged.
By Immy Share
Published 25th Nov 2020, 11:45 BST
Updated 25th Nov 2020, 12:33 BST

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The damaged elf doors at Rodley Park (photo: Sheree Smith)The damaged elf doors at Rodley Park (photo: Sheree Smith)
The damaged elf doors at Rodley Park (photo: Sheree Smith)

The Santa’s elves trail in Rodley Park in Leeds was created by sisters Charlotte and Sheree Smith to spread ‘magic, positivity and happiness’ for children across the community.

The trail consists of 100 home-made doors in trees with elves inside and there are prizes for those who are able to find all the elves.

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On Tuesday, the Rodley sisters found that nine of the doors had been stolen and four of them had been smashed.

Some of the elf doors in the trailSome of the elf doors in the trail
Some of the elf doors in the trail

Sheree said: “We are heartbroken. The trail is funded and created mainly by us two and from a few donations so to see our efforts damaged is so disheartening.

“But we want to let people know there is still happiness, hope and lots of smiles to come.

“We have already been back to the park with drills, screws, new doors, glitters, candy canes and snowmen to fix the mess.”

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The sisters created the Christmas-themed elf trail after the success of their fairy doors in the summer where every door beared the name of its fairy owner.

Sheree Smith fixes the damage to her elf trail in Rodley ParkSheree Smith fixes the damage to her elf trail in Rodley Park
Sheree Smith fixes the damage to her elf trail in Rodley Park

The magical trail has attracted families from across Leeds and Yorkshire and led to the creation of the Facebook page ‘Elves of Rodley Park’ which has over 2,000 members and is flooded with pictures of happy children enjoying the trail.

Charlotte and Sheree are also encouraging children to write letters to Santa and leave them in a post box in the park.

Sheree added: “We weren’t expecting the trail to be so popular and it’s had so many visitors.

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“Some local residents have said it’s irresponsible of us but we want to ensure children can enjoy themselves this Christmas.”

The Smith sisters go to the park daily to wash the gates, doors and benches with anti-bacterial spray and have provided hand gels on the gates to ensure their trail remains Covid-safe.

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said enquiries are ongoing into this report of a public order offence.

Related topics:LeedsYorkshire

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