Toy dinosaurs missing after Cambridge charity's polling station stint

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-32720568

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The possible theft of "dozens" of toy dinosaurs during last week's election was a "high price to pay for democracy", a charity worker has said.

The "massive" bag of toys went missing from Romsey Mill's headquarters on Hemingford Road in Cambridge while it was being used as a polling station.

The charity supports young people, children and families and is also home to a playgroup and children's centre.

It is appealing for the toys' return or for dinosaur donations.

The entrance to the polling station is opposite the entrance to the playgroup.

'Everyone's favourite'

The bag of toys vanished after it was left outside the playgroup's door for just a few minutes, as the playgroup leader Lucy Foley opened up.

Fundraiser Charity Green said: "She literally turned around and they were gone - they're not just any old toys, they're practically everyone's favourite toys."

She was not sure how many dinosaurs were in the bag, but said there were "dozens" of the 10in (25cm) toys worth between £10 and £20.

"It could be a mistake because they thought as they were [outside] we didn't want them anymore, but we do want them, so we'd like them back, no questions asked," she said.

Ms Green added their loss was a "high price to pay for democracy".

The charity is appealing for donations of dinosaur toys, or for funds so they can buy more toys.

Cambridgeshire Police said the possible theft had not been reported to them and they could not investigate unless it was.