A MILK snatcher is on the loose in Barnard Castle and an elderly couple are hoping the thief who made off with their three pints will return the newly purchased carry caddy.
Frank and Mary Browning have had milk delivered to their doorstep their entire married life, the last 38 years of which has been at Kirk View.
Concerned about spillages Mr Browning, who uses walking sticks to get around, bought a metal milk caddy.
He said: “I use two sticks when I’m out, but I can get around with just one stick at home. We bought the metal carry basket for the milk so I didn’t drop anything and it was really handy.
“We just can’t understand who would have taken it and the milk.
“We get the milk from Acorn and they drop it off anywhere between 11.30pm and 2am every day. We’ve had milk delivered for 56 years and it’s the first time we have had anything stolen.”
The retired stone mason added they reported the incident to the police and said he would have given the thief a drink if they’d asked.
He said: “We know it’s only a small thing but it made a big difference to us and it’s going to cost us £17 to replace it, plus the cost of the milk. We’re just hoping it’s been some youngsters who’ve had a bit of fun and it would be great to get it back as it’s a bit of an inconvenience.
“My friends have said if we do get another one, we’ll need to chain it to the handrail so they can’t make off with it again.”
