Nigel Braggins built a beautiful horse float with his own hands for his wife and daughter.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Six months of hard work and effort went into the construction – only for it to be stolen a week after completion.
The float was at an agistment property at Tanilba Bay when thieves broke through two padlocked gates and stole it on Tuesday.
The thieves also took chainsaws, an air compressor and whipper snipper, among other items after dumping a load of rubbish on the property.
Mr Braggins said witnesses had seen a white Toyota ute towing the float through Maitland on Wednesday.
“It has more sentimental value than economic value,” he said.
“I’m just hoping we can get it back.
“It’s not like I’m a tradesman, what would take [tradesmen] an hour would take me three hours.
“A lot of effort went into building it.
“It took me six months.
“It’s only been finished for a week.
“Everything done was done by me – the timber work, metal work, upholstery, welding – it’s pretty devastating.”
What is most concerning for the family is they now have no transport for their two horses heading into the dangerous bushfire season.
“We haven’t got a float to move our horses now which, with the fire season approaching, is the worst thing for us,” Mr Braggins said.
“That’s quite distressing.
“The horses are five and seven years old and we’ve had them their whole lives.”
Anyone with information can phone Port Stephens police on 4983 7599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.